The Seattle Kraken got a worse grade than they deserved for an offseason signing, and a Pacific Division rival got a better grade than it deserved for the signing of an ex-Kraken.
The grade-hander-outer is Bleacher Report, which deemed the Kraken summertime extension for Bobby McMann worthy only of a “C” mark.
“Bobby McMann does a lot of things well, and can be a very effective player. He’s going to be a menace on the forecheck, bring some speed to the lineup and probably score 20-25 goals.”
Getting a forward like that for six years, $34.5 million sounds perfectly fine. Sounds like “B” work or better by Seattle GM Jason Botterill.
Suspicious Reasoning For Harsh Kraken Grade
“There’s a place for that on a good team,” goes BR’s reasoning. “The problem is Seattle might not be a particularly good team, and he is pretty much a representation of what its roster is already full of: Good, but not great players that are not really difference-makers.”
So what you’re saying is, the Kraken shouldn’t sign good players until they’re a good team already? Only three Seattle skaters reached 20 goals last season: Jordan Eberle (26), Matty Beniers (20) and Jared McCann (20). So 20-25 goals from McMann would be mighty welcome.
No reason to ding the McMann signing because the Kraken didn’t land a bigger fish this summer.
Kraken Fans Would Strongly Disagree
Bleacher Report did give an overly-generous “B” grade to the San Jose Sharks for the free-agent signing of short-time Kraken Mason Marchment.
“Marchment’s deal (five years, $33.75 million) is exactly what the team needed. So much of San Jose’s 2025-26 season was dependent on Macklin Celebrini. They were dominated during 5-on-5 play when he was not on the ice. They addressed the forward situation with the Marchment signing.
“He’s an outstanding two-way veteran who can defend and chip in legitimate second-line offense. It might not age well by year five, but it will be a big upgrade the next couple of seasons.”
That sure doesn’t sound like the player who barely contributed in 29 games for Seattle (4 goals, 13 assists), and seemed content to let teammates fight his battles after he caused agitation.
So, wait a sec. For about $34 million, I can have either six years of 30-year-old McMann, or one less season of one year older Marchment? You don’t need a graduate degree to answer that one.
Expansion Words Of Wisdom
Came across these pearls about building an NHL expansion winner.
“First, try to become competitive. It’s important that the home fans have something to cheer about. In the long run, you have to keep your draft choices. If you trade, be sure and get young players. I think if you do that, you can move up the ladder rather quickly.”
The speaker was long-ago Philadelphia Flyers general manager Keith Allen. He coached the expansion Flyers for their first two seasons, 1967-69. Allen then became general manager, overseeing the Broad Street Bullies winning the Stanley Cup in 1974, their 7th season. Philly won the Cup again in 1975.
Earlier Kraken:
— Big Time Seattle – NHL Talk With TV’s John Forslund
