Bobby McMann isn’t necessarily the most interesting (Seattle Kraken) man in the world, but he may have the team’s most interesting contract.
The title was bestowed in a Sportsnet column by Ally Chesham. “McMann was an NHL late bloomer. Playing just 18 games for Seattle last season after being traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs, McMann made an immediate offensive impact on the Kraken with 10 goals and four assists in his limited showing.
“He recorded career highs in games played, goals, assists, points and ice time last season.
“McMann decided to forgo free agency and signed his first long-term contract with the Kraken. Coming in at six years and worth $34.5 million, McMann’s new deal carries a significantly longer term and higher average annual value than the two previous deals he signed with the Maple Leafs.
“He’s already 30, so it will be interesting to see whether the Kraken will get full value out of the deal.”
‘Best Case: Depth makes up for lack of superstars as Kraken return to playoffs’
Chesham calls McMann one of two significant forward additions to the 2026-27 opening night roster. “A major challenge the franchise has faced since joining the league is attracting star talent. The Kraken did land winger Mackie Samoskevich via trade in June and signed McMann to a six-year extension.
“The hope is that some of the team’s younger forwards — like Berkly Catton, Matty Beniers and (Shane) Wright, if he sticks around — can break out. General manager Jason Botterill has said he is excited by the possibility of seven or eight forwards under 23 making the roster come opening night.
“Meanwhile, another vital area for Seattle to improve is their penalty killing, which ranked 31st in the league last season.”
Kraken Chatter
For Seattle’s “Best Case” to be realized, a charge needs to be put into last year’s anemic offense. Daily Faceoff’s Scott Maxwell isn’t sure that’s achievable.
“They scored the fifth-fewest goals per game (2.73), had a so-so power play (19.46%, 21st), and were behind only the Chicago Blackhawks at generating chances with a 2.36 5v5 expected goals for per 60 minutes.
“There is some semblance of a solid offensive core, but each player would be better served as a complementary piece to a more-talented core of players. None of these players is meant to be the guy on a team, but in Seattle, they have to be.”
Without reliable scoring, coach Lane Lambert’s mantra will continue to be “defense, defense, defense.” Canucks Army noted that during a scoreless middle frame of last Saturday’s preseason opener (a 4-2 Seattle win).
“The second period was a grinding, slow-paced affair, and that’s exactly how the Kraken like it. Even with three power plays, neither team reached double digits in shots on goal or found the back of the net.”
Alex Wyatt of Dobber Prospects has focused his gaze further down the Seattle road.
“Seattle has the opportunity to trade some prospects and picks to fill some long term roster holes. They have both their own first and a conditional one from Tampa next year to dangle. The Kraken also enter the year with seven expiring contracts worth $31M and potentially two first round picks to spend.”
Sportsnet Mostly Mum On Kraken
Sportsnet, a Canadian all-sports cable network, won’t have much to say about the Kraken, at least on game telecasts. The NHL rights-holder this season takes over Saturday night doubleheaders that traditionally aired on CBC. Seattle is scheduled for just four appearances (all times Pacific).
- Oct. 3: Seattle at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
- Nov. 28: Edmonton at Seattle, 7 p.m.
- March 6: Seattle at Ottawa, 12 noon.
- April 3: Winnipeg at Seattle, 4 p.m.
With Amazon Prime Canada moving its streaming package (with John Forslund on play-by-play) to Wednesdays, Monday night hockey will air exclusively on Sportsnet+ – for viewers who cough up an additional $12.99 CDN per month on most systems. The Kraken make one appearance on “plus,” March 1 against the Jets in Winnipeg, 4 p.m.
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