The Seattle Kraken have officially announced their 23-man opening night roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. As the team prepares to face the Anaheim Ducks on October 9th, the final roster decisions have generated excitement and a few surprises.
Forwards:
The Kraken will start the season with 14 forwards, though Kaapo Kakko is currently sidelined with a broken hand. The healthy forward group includes Matty Beniers, Berkly Catton, Jordan Eberle, Frederick Gaudreau, Tye Kartye, Mason Marchment, Jared McCann, Jani Nyman, Jaden Schwartz, Chandler Stephenson, Eeli Tolvanen, Shane Wright, and Ryan Winterton.
Notably, 2024 first-round pick Berkly Catton has made the opening night roster. The 19-year-old is coming off a strong season in the Western Hockey League and impressed during the preseason. However, if Catton plays more than nine games, his entry-level contract will activate. The Kraken can send him back to the Spokane Chiefs before he hits the 10-game mark to slide his contract a year.
Ryan Winterton, who was among the final cuts last season, has also earned a spot on the roster. After a shoulder injury slowed his development, Winterton had a strong training camp and preseason, showcasing his readiness for the NHL. Jani Nyman also solidified his place with a strong preseason performance, displaying good chemistry with Kraken veterans.
Jared McCann and Chandler Stephenson are expected to be healthy for opening night after recovering from injuries sustained in training camp. It is expected that McCann will join Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle on the top line in Kakko's absence. Mason Marchment is also set to make his Kraken debut after joining the team from the Dallas Stars.
Defensemen:
The Kraken's defense will consist of eight players: Adam Larsson, Vince Dunn, Jamie Oleksiak, Cale Fleury, Ryan Lindgren, Joshua Mahura, Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans. Ryker Evans will begin the season on injured reserve.
Ryan Lindgren, a free-agent acquisition, is the newest addition to the Kraken's blue line. His veteran presence is expected to benefit younger defensemen Cale Fleury and Josh Mahura. Fleury and Mahura are competing for a spot on the blue line while Evans is out. Adam Larsson and Vince Dunn are expected to remain as a defensive pair.
Goaltenders:
The Kraken will carry three goaltenders to start the season: Joey Daccord, Philipp Grubauer, and Matt Murray. While there were rumors of carrying three goalies, the team has made it official. Daccord is expected to be the starting goaltender, with Grubauer and Murray providing depth.
Injuries and Taxi Squad:
Kaapo Kakko (broken hand) and Ryker Evans (upper-body injury) will start the season on injured reserve. This created roster spots for Catton and Winterton. With a condensed schedule ahead, carrying an extra goaltender allows the team to rest Daccord when needed.
The Kraken's opening night roster reflects a mix of established veterans, promising young players, and strategic decisions to manage injuries and development. As the season gets underway, all eyes will be on how these players come together to compete in the competitive NHL landscape.
