3 burning questions Seattle Kraken must answer in 2026 offseason

The Seattle Kraken (34-37-11) have been stuck in mid-tier lottery territory for the past couple of seasons. After making the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they defeated the defending-champion Colorado Avalanche, they haven’t made the postseason since. More: 3 burning questions Winnipeg Jets must answer in 2026 offseason The Kraken looked like they would make it, They took advantage of a top-heavy Western Conference to enter the final Wild Card spot with a few weeks to go in the season.

Unfortunately, they slipped at the end of the season. They went 4-8-2 in March and 2-7-0 in April, missing the playoffs by 11 points. That resulted in Ron Francis stepping down from his job as president of hockey operations.

With Jason Botterill taking full control of the team, he’ll get to execute his vision in a critical offseason. Will the Kraken embrace a full rebuild? Apr 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken, from left, defenseman Adam Larsson (6), defenseman Vince Dunn (29) and forward Ryan Winterton (26) celebrate a goal during the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Climate Pledge Arena.

Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images The Kraken have been in no-man’s land for a few seasons. They’ve been bad enough to earn top-ten picks, but not bad enough to earn the No. 1 pick.