The Carolina Hurricanes have barely finished lifting the Stanley Cup over their heads, and various pundits are already burying next season’s Seattle Kraken.
ESPN even called their newest power rankings “Way Too Early.” So early that the Kraken will have plenty of time to change the minds of their experts. Right now, the network’s panel of hockey commentators, reporters and editors place Seattle at #28 among the 32 NHL teams.
The Kraken should feel fortunate they’re in the Pacific Division. Of the four teams ranked below Seattle, two are Pacific rivals: The Canucks (32) and Flames (30). The other two teams in the rear view are the Blackhawks (31) and Rangers (29).
In addition to figuring out what to do with pending free agents, ESPN writes that offseason storylines will include, “$28 million in cap space to give the team what it needs to make a more serious push for the postseason. The Kraken also have extra first round picks in 2026 and 2027 that could be used for more immediate help.”
A Date Which Will Live In Kraken Infamy
Under the heading, “What went wrong?” ESPN’s Ryan Clark answers, “Everything they’ve done since March 4. They went 5-12-7 from March 4 through April 11, earning 12 of a possible 38 points. Their goal differential fell to -31.”
Clark does foresee rays of sunshine poking their way through the overcast Seattle winter. “This team is close to returning to the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. GM Jason Botterill must make the right moves this summer to give them the best chance.”
Sports betting sites don’t share Clark’s optimism.
Odds Seattle Wins 2027 Stanley Cup
- FanDuel: 225-1; 1 team with longer odds
- BetMGM: 200-1; 2 teams with longer odds
- DraftKings: 200-1; 3 teams with longer odds
- Caesars: 500-1; no teams with longer odds
Odds Seattle Wins Western Conference
- FanDuel.com: 80-1; 2 teams with longer odds
- BetMGM: 100-1; 2 teams with longer odds
- Caesars: 200-1; no teams with longer odds
Weirdest Bets
- FanDuel.com: 400-1 that Kraken win President’s Trophy
- BetMGM: 7,500-1 that Kraken beat Sabres in Stanley Cup Final
- Caesars: 7,500-1 that Kraken beat (pick one) Pit./Phi./Det./Bos./Tor./NYI in Cup Final
