The deep waters of the Pacific Northwest have been uncharacteristically still this season for the Seattle Kraken. After a historic sophomore campaign that saw the franchise push to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 2023-24 season has served as a sobering reality check. With the team now staring down the barrel of playoff elimination, Seattle Kraken co-owner Tod Leiweke is speaking out, offering both an admission of the current disappointment and a firm promise to the Emerald City faithful.
A Commitment to Addressing Seattle Kraken Struggles
In a recent address regarding the state of the franchise, Leiweke did not mince words about the team’s current trajectory. As the Kraken slide further away from a postseason berth, the ownership group is acutely aware of the frustration mounting within the fan base. Leiweke’s message was centered on accountability and a proactive approach to the offseason.
"We’re going to get it fixed," Leiweke stated, according to reports from ESPN. "We’re committed to fixing it." These words carry significant weight for a franchise that, until recently, appeared to be ahead of the traditional expansion team timeline. The Seattle Kraken struggles this season have been a stark contrast to the 100-point performance and playoff upset of the Colorado Avalanche just one year ago.
Leiweke’s comments suggest that the ownership group is not content with a "wait and see" approach. While he did not outline specific personnel changes, the sentiment of being "committed to fixing it" implies a thorough evaluation of the hockey operations department, the coaching staff, and the roster composition.
Analyzing the Regression from Contender to Also-Ran
To understand what Leiweke intends to fix, one must look at the statistical decline that has defined the Kraken’s third season. The primary culprit has been a lack of consistent offensive production. Last season, Seattle was lauded for its "scoring by committee" approach, which saw them lead the league in even-strength goals for a significant portion of the year. This season, that depth has largely evaporated.
Key contributors who enjoyed career years in 2022-23 have seen their numbers dip. Furthermore, the power play has struggled to remain a threat, often failing to provide the momentum shifts needed in tight divisional matchups. While the goaltending tandem of Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer provided flashes of brilliance—including Daccord’s historic Winter Classic shutout—the team’s inability to provide goal support has left them on the wrong side of the playoff bubble.
The Seattle Kraken currently find themselves chasing several teams in the Western Conference Wild Card race, and with the regular season winding down, the mathematical probability of a return to the postseason is dwindling. This regression is what Leiweke and the front office must diagnose as they look toward the summer.
The Leadership of Ron Francis and the Path Forward
Despite the current frustrations, Leiweke’s confidence in the long-term vision remains a focal point. General Manager Ron Francis has built the team with an emphasis on sustainability, maintaining a healthy salary cap situation and a growing pool of prospects. However, the immediate pressure to remain competitive in a sports-crazed market like Seattle cannot be ignored.
Leiweke’s public backing of the "fixing" process puts the spotlight on the upcoming offseason. The Kraken will likely be active players in the free-agent market and could explore trades to inject more high-end talent into their top-six forward group. The development of young stars like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright remains central to the team’s identity, but Leiweke’s comments suggest that internal growth alone may not be enough to satisfy the ownership's expectations.
Maintaining the Connection with the Seattle Fan Base
One of the Kraken’s greatest successes has been the atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena. The fan base has remained loyal, selling out the building and creating one of the most vibrant environments in the NHL. Leiweke is well aware that maintaining this enthusiasm requires a winning product on the ice.
- The team’s commitment to the community remains a top priority.
- Ownership views the current season as a temporary setback rather than a total rebuild.
- Strategic investments in the roster are expected during the 2024 offseason.
As the Kraken prepare for the final stretch of the season, the focus is already shifting toward the future. Tod Leiweke’s promise to "get it fixed" serves as a roadmap for the months ahead. For the fans in Seattle, the hope is that the lessons learned during this difficult campaign will provide the foundation for a more resilient and potent team in the years to come.
Sources & Original Reporting
