The Seattle Kraken opened their fourth preseason with a 6-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Sunday night at Climate Pledge Arena. The game was filled with new faces and new challenges as the team worked through its adjustments. Under the direction of new head coach Dan Bylsma, the Kraken fielded a mix of young prospects and familiar veterans, aiming to build chemistry and settle into a new chapter for the franchise.
Despite the final score, Bylsma saw some positive moments from his team, particularly from the younger players stepping into NHL action for the first time. “There were individuals that did show well,” said Bylsma. He highlighted Shane Wright’s speed and skill, Berkly Catton’s offensive opportunities, and Nathan Villeneuve’s impact as standout performances.
Villeneuve, the Kraken’s 2024 second-round draft pick, scored the lone goal for Seattle in the third period, beating former Everett Silvertips goalie Dustin Wolf with a well-placed one-timer off a pass from Oliver Bjorkstrand. It was a promising moment for the young center, who was eager to spark some energy for his team.
Despite the Kraken’s struggles, particularly in the opening period, when Calgary capitalized on defensive lapses and early nerves, the game provided valuable lessons for the team as it integrated new lines and players. Philipp Grubauer played the first two periods in goal, allowing four goals on 19 shots, but was often left exposed by defensive breakdowns.
The young prospects on the ice were given a chance to shine. Catton, the Kraken’s 8th overall pick in the 2024 draft, led all Kraken forwards with 19:01 of ice time, including 4:23 on the power play. While he made early mistakes, such as losing a faceoff that led to Calgary’s first goal, Bylsma expressed confidence in his development.
Wright, a former No. 4 overall pick, played on a line with Jordan Eberle and Tye Kartye, while Bjorkstrand joined Matty Beniers and Jared McCann on another line. Beniers, noticeably stronger after gaining 17 pounds of muscle in the offseason, brought physicality to his game, engaging in several scrums, including one where he defended Grubauer after a Flames player crashed into the crease.
The game’s physicality was a common theme, with plenty of pushing and shoving between both teams. A notable fight broke out between AHL prospect Tucker Robertson and Calgary defenseman Artem Grushnikov early in the second period, further illustrating the scrappy nature of the contest.
While the Kraken showed some fight, Bylsma emphasized the need for his team to initiate physical play rather than just respond to it. Villeneuve, known for modeling his game after the Tkachuk brothers, attempted to rally his team with a goal and tried to stir up more energy by engaging Calgary’s Dryden Hunt, but to no avail.
Overall, the game served as a valuable starting point for the Kraken as they continue integrating new talent and building team chemistry. With promising signs from their young players and some lessons learned, the team is focused on staying healthy and gaining momentum as they head deeper into the preseason.
