Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken restored NHL hockey to the Pacific Northwest, playing in the striking, sustainability-focused Climate Pledge Arena in the shadow of the Space Needle. Named for the mythical sea monster and inspired by the giant Pacific octopus native to Puget Sound waters, the Kraken quickly built a passionate regional fan base drawing on Seattle's deep sports culture. As one of the league's newest franchises, the club is still forming its identity but has already shown flashes of playoff-caliber hockey. Seattle's arrival gave the NHL a genuine West Coast rival market and a fresh, modern brand.

The Kraken were approved as an NHL expansion franchise in December 2018 and began play in the 2021-22 season as the league's 32nd team. Seattle made an immediate impact, qualifying for the playoffs in just its second season and upsetting the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round in 2023. The Kraken have yet to advance to a Stanley Cup Final or win a championship, but the franchise's rapid on-ice competitiveness has been notable for a young expansion club.