Seattle Kraken Secure Franchise Goaltender with Major Long-Term Deal

the Seattle Kraken made bold moves to strengthen their roster this offseason, setting their sights on a return to the playoffs. After an underwhelming 2023-2024 season, free agents included Stanley Cup champions Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour, both signed with aggression. Both come with so much experience, and the high-profile manner of signing both into Seattle merely amplifies Seattle's commitment to improving their competitiveness for the upcoming season.

Perhaps one of the more important pieces to their playoff puzzle is in their goaltending. Veteran Philipp Grubauer has been solid in between the pipes, but the Kraken are getting more and more into the hands of Joey Daccord being the future between the pipes. Daccord, who quickly closed the gap with an excellent season last year, is projected to take a leap this year and solidify his standing as the unquestioned number-one goalkeeper. Further, the franchise seems to have shown faith in him by reportedly offering a long-term contract extension, signaling their belief in his potential.

NHL Insiders Kevin Weekes and Elliotte Friedman have both reported on social media that Daccord's extension with the Kraken is finalizing. Friedman added the contract will pay Daccord $5 million annually across five years. Such a deal not only indicates the Kraken's commitment to him but also points toward Daccord being a centerpiece of Seattle's long-term plans.

Needless to say, the road to this day has been quite unconventional for Joey Daccord. Originally drafted in the seventh round by the Ottawa Senators in 2015, he got off to a slow start in the NHL, playing only nine games for the club. In 2021, his career took another direction when he was claimed by the expansion draft of Seattle. He mostly spent his first two seasons in the AHL, before having a breakout year with the Kraken last year.

With 50 appearances, Joey Daccord proved himself a starting-caliber goaltender with a 19-18-11 record, to go along with a 2.46 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. Now, with his new contract extension in place, Daccord is set to be the Kraken's mainstay in net for the next five seasons, Seattle hopes he can lead them back to the playoffs and beyond.