Kraken Need Rebuild to Reclaim Seattle Spotlight

Columnist says struggling hockey team must start over to win back fans

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game scene, with sharp planes of navy, teal, and silver colors representing the chaotic state of the Seattle Kraken franchise.The Seattle Kraken's struggles to connect with fans and build a winning team have left the NHL franchise searching for a path back to relevance in the city's crowded sports landscape.Seattle Today

A columnist argues that the Seattle Kraken, one of the least popular sports teams in the city, need to undergo a complete rebuild in order to have any chance of reclaiming the spotlight in Seattle. The team's struggles on the ice and lack of fan engagement have made them an afterthought compared to the city's other professional sports franchises.

Why it matters

The Kraken are a relatively new NHL expansion team that has struggled to build a fanbase in a crowded Seattle sports market dominated by the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders. As the team continues to lose, there are questions about whether they can ever become a prominent part of the city's sports culture.

The details

The columnist states that simple fixes like a new haircut or outfit won't be enough for the Kraken to win over Seattle fans. Instead, the team needs to completely rebuild from the ground up, potentially trading away star players, hiring new management, and restocking the roster with young talent. This long-term approach is the only way the Kraken can eventually become a competitive and popular franchise in the city.

  • The Kraken are currently in their 5th season of play in the NHL.

The players

Seattle Kraken

An NHL expansion team that began play in 2021 and has struggled to build a fanbase in Seattle.

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The takeaway

The Kraken's lack of on-ice success and fan engagement has made them an afterthought in Seattle's crowded sports landscape. A complete rebuild may be the only path for the team to eventually become a prominent part of the city's sports culture.