The Seattle Kraken, a recent addition to the NHL, is quickly becoming a model for successful expansion teams. Gone are the days when expansion teams struggled for years with losing seasons and little hope of making the playoffs.
The NHL has learned from the experiences of the Senators, Ducks, and other organizations, allowing teams like Seattle to develop quickly and become contenders. The $650 million entry fee for the league and the renovation of the old Key Arena complex certainly warrant a competitive market.