Kraken After Dark | Episode 5: Pacific Division Predictions (2026–27 Season)

The summer grind is winding down, training camp is around the corner, and it’s time to look at the battlefield.

In Episode 5 of Kraken After Dark, we dive deep into the Pacific Division landscape heading into the 2026–27 NHL season. We take a bird's-eye view of how the division stacks up, which powerhouse franchises are primed to contend, and who is on the outside looking in.

In this episode, we break down:

* Division Hierarchy: Who sits on the Pacific throne, who is primed to take a step back, and who the real contenders are.

* Wild Card Chaos: How the Pacific matches up against the Central for those crucial Western Conference playoff spots.

* The 1-to-8 Standings Prediction: Our complete, unfiltered projection for how the division finishes in 2026–27.

Connect with the Show:

* Drop your Pacific Division standings predictions in the comments or review section!

* Follow/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your hockey fix.

* Twitter/X & Instagram: @KrakenCanada

The Seattle Kraken just completely altered the trajectory of their blue line. In this episode, we break down why the hockey world was stunned when elite defenseman Chase Reid slid right into Seattle’s lap at No. 7 overall. We’re diving deep into the OHL powerhouse's elite skill set and why he might just be the best D-prospect of the 2026 class.

But that’s not all—we have to talk about the blockbuster that almost was. We unpack the wild, rumors of the rejected 3-way trade involving the Dallas Stars, Seattle Kraken, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Why did Jason Robertson reportedly say no to an 8-year, $15M AAV mega-deal to come to the Pacific Northwest? What does it mean for Dallas' current cap hell, and how did it pave the way for Seattle's actual draft day success?

Finally, we grade the rest of the Kraken's 2026 draft class and break down the opening waves of NHL free agency. Are the Kraken setup to take the Pacific Division by storm? Tune in to find out!

It’s getting wild in the deep, and the off-season hasn’t even officially started yet. On this episode of Kraken After Dark, we break down a massive double-feature Sunday from GM Jason Botterill. First, the Seattle Kraken traded away the 25th overall pick to land 23-year-old Stanley Cup champion Mackie Samoskevich from the Panthers. Does he immediately slot in on a line with his old college teammate Matty Beniers?

Next, we react to the sticker shock and long-term security of Bobby McMann’s massive six-year, $34.5 million extension. Did the Kraken overpay for his 29-goal breakout season, or is this the essential scoring identity the top six desperately needed?

Plus, the wait is finally over: the internal Sportsology Group audit of hockey operations has been released. We parse through CEO Tod Leiweke’s comments to look at what "trade secrets" are being kept under wraps, and why player development is getting a major financial overhaul. Finally, we look ahead to the absolute chaos of the NHL Draft and Free Agency. Pour a drink and join us in the deep.

The waiting game continues in Seattle, but the front office isn't sitting on its hands. In this episode of Kraken After Dark, we dive headfirst into the major coaching and management shakeups shaping the future of the franchise, while wondering exactly what happened to the paperwork.

In this episode, we break down:

• The New Brass: Our instant reaction to the hiring of new Assistant General Manager Patrik Allvin and Assistant Coach Pascal Vincent. What do these veteran hockey minds bring to the table, and how will they alter the team's strategic direction?

• The Missing Report: We were promised answers, so where are they? We discuss the ongoing wait for the elusive May Audit that still hasn’t been released to the public, and what the delay could mean.

• Lucky Number Seven: With the NHL Draft looming, what is the game plan for the 7th overall pick? Do the Kraken stay put and draft a future cornerstone, or is it time to weaponize the asset for immediate help?

Welcome to the midnight shift of Seattle hockey. In this premier episode of Kraken After Dark, we are kicking things off by diving straight into a massive franchise crossroads: the 2026 offseason.

We break down how the front office can weaponize their assets to reshape this roster, starting with a massive decision at the draft.

We dive deep into:

• The No. 7 Overall Pick: Who should Seattle target in the top ten? Do they add a dynamic, blue-chip game-changer to the prospect pool, or is this pick the ultimate trade bait for immediate help?

• Free Agency Frenzy: Are the Kraken going to back up the Brinks truck for a big-name goal scorer, or take a more calculated approach?

• Trade Block Rumors: Potential roster shakeups, moving pieces, and how to inject more high-end speed and skill into this lineup.

The summer of change starts now. Grab a drink, lock in, and welcome to the dark side.