Despite a different-looking team heading into next season, the Vegas Golden Knights still project to be near the top of the Pacific Division. They still have a strong blue-line unit and are good at the center position. It's a team with plenty of question marks as well, including at the wing and in the net. Therefore, it's expected they'll be a playoff team that doesn't do much.
Granted, that could all change with a trade or two. General manager Kelly McCrimmon has been known to come out of nowhere with a major deal, bringing in big names like Jack Eichel. He's also made bargain trades for players like Chandler Stephenson, where they've become solid offensive pieces. It's led to unbridled success for the franchise, giving them a Stanley Cup in 2023.
But making the playoffs again means watching for a division rival under the radar. This young group made the playoffs two seasons ago, surprising numerous hockey experts. They're similar to the Golden Knights in a sense, for they're fresh from expansion. However, there's more to the team than simply being the new kids on the block. They're also a potential threat, gearing to take over the division, with a Starbucks coffee and freshly caught salmon in their arms. Cue up Nirvana because it's time to see why this team's a threat.
The Seattle Kraken will be an under-the-radar threat to the Vegas Golden Knights and the Pacific Division
For five years, the Vancouver Canucks spent their time drafting solid prospects and building a young core. That group consisted of Quinn Hughes, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser, to name a few. That team won the Pacific Division last season and came within a game of making the Western Conference Final. Their neighbors down south, the Seattle Kraken, can do the same for themselves with a surprising run.
Last season, the Kraken finished with a record of 34-35-13, good enough for 81 points. They were tied for fifth with the Calgary Flames in the division and missed the playoffs. Out went Dave Hakstol and in came Dan Bylsma, who had prior experience coaching little-known players named Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. They added key veterans to the mix during free agency, including Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour, giving them Stanley Cup-winning playoff experience from years prior.
The Kraken have playoff experience from their young core, with offensive pieces like Jordan Eberle scoring six goals in the 2022-23 postseason. Plus, they have their own version of Shea Theodore named Vince Dunn. The former Blues defenseman is a good offensive facilitator (35 assists last season) and does great on the man advantage (four power play goals, 12 power play assists).
The Kraken have struggled to beat the Vegas Golden Knights in their first three seasons, compiling a record of 2-9-1. However, they took that first step to beating their expansion rival in the Winter Classic, shutting them out, 3-0. They've taken a contrary approach to winning compared to Vegas, opting for team structure and younger players. The next step could be another playoff appearance with their divisional rivals put on notice.