Danielson’s contributions came in the second period, scoring Detroit’s second goal and setting up Emmitt Finnie’s power-play tally. Alongside him, Dylan Larkin reached the 600-point milestone in his NHL career, while Lucas Raymond added a goal and an assist to help the Red Wings improve to 12-7-1. Goaltender Cam Talbot made 20 saves in the win.

McLellan summed up the environment with a frank assessment in the aftermath. “This was a tough game to play because there was never any rhythm,” he said, according to NHL.com. “It felt like the first team to score three goals was going to win, because there wasn’t much offense.”

How did Danielson make his mark in only five games?

The 21-year-old rookie scored his first NHL goal when Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s point shot deflected off Mason Appleton and into the net. Danielson then assisted Finnie’s goal on the power play, giving him both milestones in a single period. Despite an earlier offside challenge negating a potential goal, Danielson remained composed.

What’s next for the Red Wings?

The Red Wings now look ahead to their next matchup on Thursday against the New York Islanders at 8:00 p.m. ET, approaching it with confidence as they aim to maintain their winning rhythm and extend both individual and team streaks. Meanwhile, the Kraken will try to regroup and regain consistency in their upcoming contests.

At the moment, the Devils are dealing with a complicated situation involving the Hughes family. Luke Hughes’ contract talks still have no clear resolution, while rumors of a possible trade for Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks continue to grow.

Both scenarios are shaping the Devils’ next steps as management looks to strengthen the roster with proven offensive talent. Along those lines, reports suggest that New Jersey made a push for a key forward from the Kraken.

Which Kraken forward caught New Jersey’s attention?

According to insider Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com, the Devils reportedly checked in with the Kraken about Jared McCann, but were quickly turned down. The Canadian forward has been one of Seattle’s most consistent players, so the front office’s swift response comes as no surprise.

McCann is coming off three straight seasons with more than 25 goals, establishing himself as the Kraken’s all-time leading scorer in just four years of the franchise’s existence. His profile fits exactly the type of player New Jersey is seeking to make a definitive push toward Stanley Cup contention.

The search continues

This situation leaves an air of uncertainty around the Devils, who are testing the market for new pieces while also needing to figure out what direction to take with the Hughes brothers. Although the attempt to land McCann didn’t pan out, the message is clear: the franchise is determined to surround its young core with proven, high-impact players.

One of the most emotional moments came with the departure of a close friend and teammate. Mason Marchment, who signed a four-year, $18 million contract prior to the 2022 season, was traded to Seattle Kraken on June 19. In return, the Stars received a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick, marking the end of Marchment’s tenure in Dallas.

For Oettinger, the move was more than a business transaction—it was personal. The Stars’ goaltender revealed the emotional impact of losing a teammate he considered a brother both on and off the ice.

How did Mason Marchment’s trade affect Oettinger?

“That was really tough,” Oettinger admitted, as reported by Sam Nestler of DLLS Stars. “It’s no secret how close he and I are. That’s one you never really get over. Just as good as it gets as a guy and a teammate. Someone that doesn’t wear a letter but the guys in the room look up to. Mush is one of my best friends, and that’s not going to change.”

Oettinger explained how the personal side of the trade made it even harder. “It’s a tough part of the job when you get really close with someone. I mean, my wife and his wife are like best friends, and they’re having a baby really close to when we are, too. That whole part of it just sucks. It feels like right when I start calling someone my best friend, they get traded.”

Organizational changes shape the Stars’ offseason

Marchment joins a Kraken team that made its own offseason adjustments, including the firing of coach Dan Bylsma after just one season. Meanwhile, the Stars made a coaching change, dismissing Pete DeBoer in the wake of their playoff loss to the Oilers—a decision believed to be influenced by his early pull of Oettinger in Game 5, which reportedly upset several players.

The Stars are now under the leadership of Glen Gulutzan, returning for his second stint as head coach. As the team looks ahead, the focus will be on rebuilding chemistry and adapting to the roster changes while keeping competitive in the Western Conference.

Sometimes, key moments in the days leading up to the preseason redefine a few positions, fueled by rumors or conflicting reports about possible new destinations. The Canadiens are looking for a new face in their offense, and an opportunity could arise.

Hutson is expected to be a central figure for the Canadiens next season, despite facing an extension dilemma after a memorable rookie year in the NHL. It’s unlikely Hutson won’t re-sign with the Montreal franchise, but in the meantime, they could be keeping an eye on the Kraken’s winger to help Laine.

Who is the Kraken winger reportedly close to leaving the franchise?

According to The Hockey News, the offensive player who could be traded by the Kraken is none other than Jared McCann. “Seattle could get a great trade return for McCann,” said NHL insider Adam Proteau. The scenario remains wide open.

The Canadiens are among the franchises that have eyed McCann to help reinforce their offensive line, focusing on the Kraken forward as an attractive option who can play both center and wing. This information could revive the old rumors.

Are the Kraken open to trading McCann?

The Kraken have reportedly been “open to” trading McCann, as The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported in early July. In February, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that teams were calling the Kraken about the 29-year-old forward.

The Seattle Kraken have been a very active team since the NHL offseason began. One of their better moves was to bring Mason Marchment to strengthen their forward unit. However, you don’t reinforce a unit just to trade another one of your stars. At least that’s not the team’s modus operandi.

Forward Jared McCann has been in the mind of plenty other NHL franchises. However, according to NHL insider Rob Simpson reported that the team has little to no intentions to move McCann elsewhere.

“The 29-year-old… has two more seasons left on his contract at a very reasonable $5-million per,” Simpson wrote via Seattle Hockey Insider. “Those are two very good reasons why the Kraken were telling teams, at least up until now, that they’re not parting with their lefty winger who can also play the middle.” A friendly contract in a versatile player is something that doesn’t come every day and the Kraken front office knows it.

There’s more to exploit from McCann

McCann’s contract is a good one, his versatility too. However, his biggest strength is his scoring prowess. Since the Kraken inception four years ago, McCann has led the team in scoring throughout all four seasons.

This past year, McCann played all 82 games and scored 22 goals with 39 assists added to his tally. The Kraken want to go the postseason, and keeping McCann on the team is key for that to happen.

Keep McCann, bring Marchment, but there’s more

The other big-time move the Kraken did besides bringing Marchment is to name coach Lane Lambert after they dismissed Dan Bylsma. In the end, these are all moves that push the franchise forward.

The Kraken is ready to make a playoff run after finishing 35-41, second to last in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. That means the Kraken have missed the postseason for the third time in the team’s four-year history.

Dalpe was mostly deployed with the Panthers‘ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, but when his name was called in the NHL, he didn’t disappoint. The now-retired forward joined Tkachuk and the Cats during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He wasn’t a part of the Cats’ back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, though.

Through 13 postseason games with Florida, Dalpe recorded only one goal—but it was a memorable one. Fans in Sunrise have mixed feelings about that run, as the Panthers fell in the Cup Final. Still, Dalpe’s tally in Game 6 against Brad Marchand and the Boston Bruins never fails to put a smile on their faces.

Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2008 NHL entry Draft (45th overall pick), Dalpe called it a career after the 2024-25 campaign. However, the 35-year-old knows his place on earth is close to the rink. Thus, it didn’t take long before he joined the NHL in a new capacity.

As announced by the organization on its social media, the Seattle Kraken have signed Zac Dalpe as a player development consultant ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.

Into the abyss

Dalpe decided to hang up the skates without savoring the sweet taste of victory in professional hockey. In addition to the defeat in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, Dalpe was a member of the Checkers’ roster this past season. Though he didn’t play in the Calder Cup Playoffs, his team made it to the ultimate stage, where the Abbotsford Canucks prevailed.

Now, Dalpe will chase silverware from a different vantage point. His place is no longer on the ice but in close proximity to the players. As he joins the league’s newest team (not counting the relocated Utah Mammoth), Dalpe hopes to guide the Kraken to the treasure chest on the ocean floor.

Uncharted territory

Contrary to the example the Vegas Golden Knights might have set, having success early on is extremely difficult for new franchises in the NHL. The Kraken aren’t exempt from that premise, having made the playoffs just once in their first four seasons.

However, the tide might be turning, and the Kraken could very well be on the rise. That’s what fans in the Emerald City hope, at least. Seattle failed to meet expectations last season and now has some ground to cover in that regard. Will it be enough to make it out of a battlefield-like Pacific Division? Only time will tell.

Last season marked Evans’ first full NHL campaign, where he appeared in 73 games, contributing five goals and 25 assists. His physical presence was evident as he led Kraken defenders with 123 hits and ranked third on the team in blocked shots with 106. Evans has grown significantly since being drafted, overcoming early concerns about his size and health.

Kraken general manager Jason Botterill expressed confidence in Evans’ development, saying, “Ryker took a positive step forward in his first full season in the NHL.” Botterill said, according to NHL.com. “Since turning pro, he’s shown improvement year over year, and we’re confident he’ll take his game to another level next season. We’re happy to have him under contract.”

How has Ryker Evans developed since being drafted?

Ryker Evans was selected 35th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft after being overlooked in his first year of eligibility due to his smaller stature and limited playing time caused by the pandemic. Standing now at 6-foot, 195 pounds, Evans has added size and strength, managing Celiac disease from childhood, which previously impacted his growth.

His progress through the Kraken system has been steady, breaking into the NHL lineup two seasons ago and solidifying his spot last season with strong defensive play, physicality, and increasing offensive contributions.

What role does Evans play within the Kraken’s defensive core?

Evans is now a key component of a balanced Kraken defensive unit, alongside veterans such as Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson, and Brandon Montour. His ability to play on the second defensive pairing and contribute on the power play demonstrates his growing versatility and value.

Kraken coaching staff continue to emphasize Evans’ strengths, encouraging him to play with intensity, mobility, and smart puck movement, which aligns with his focus on consistency.

Kakko was acquired from the New York Rangers in December and immediately became one of Seattle’s most reliable forwards during their playoff surge. His ability to blend size, vision and offensive instinct made an immediate impression — and now the Kraken are signaling full confidence in his role going forward.

“Getting a contract done with Kaapo was a top priority this summer,” Kraken GM Jason Botterill said in the team’s announcement, according to NHL.com. “We knew quickly he’d be a big part of our team moving forward. He’s got size, skill and tremendous playmaking ability, and isn’t afraid of going to the net. He fit in immediately with our group, and we’re thrilled to have him under contract.”

A career year in two sweaters

Kakko recorded a career-high 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) over 79 regular-season games split between the Rangers and Kraken in the 2024–25 season. He also notched personal bests in assists (30), power-play goals (4), and posted his second-most productive goal-scoring campaign.

Traded to Seattle on Dec. 18, Kakko added 30 points in 49 games and emerged as a reliable force, logging a five-game point streak in January and co-leading the team in even-strength production.

A strong fit for Seattle’s future

Since arriving, Kakko ranks among the team leaders in nearly every offensive category, further validating Kraken’s investment. His strong blend of size, skill, and consistency makes him a foundational piece in Seattle’s evolving roster.

Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko now leads his class in games played and continues to climb in goals and assists — a testament to his durability and growth. Botterill’s message signals not only commitment, but high expectations ahead of a pivotal NHL season for the franchise.

While not considered a marquee signing, this forward had previously drawn interest from teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks, who all viewed him as a potential depth addition.

The new Montreal Canadiens player is none other than center Joe Veleno, who arrives after a challenging spell with the Seattle Kraken on a one-year, $900,000 contract, as reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. This move marks a homecoming for Veleno, who returns to his hometown team.

Veleno’s NHL career

Drafted in the first round in 2018 by the Detroit Red Wings, Veleno made his NHL debut in 2021 and recorded 81 points over 306 games. In March 2025, he was traded to the Blackhawks, where he played alongside Connor Bedard, before being moved to the Kraken in June in exchange for André Burakovsky. With Seattle, he tallied 17 points in 74 games but was placed on unconditional waivers for a buyout on June 29.

Veleno and Bedard were teammates in 2025 after Veleno arrived from the Red Wings. Chicago’s young star was already fully integrated into the lineup following his debut in October 2023. Veleno, for his part, played 18 games with the Blackhawks, recording seven points (three goals and four assists) before being traded to the Kraken.

Veleno was part of a thin free-agent market with limited immediate-impact options in the NHL, so Montreal aimed to add depth down the middle with a versatile piece who could contribute in the face-off circle, apply forecheck pressure, and bring locker-room experience, all without demanding immediate production guarantees.

And it looks like the Finnish star is turning to the league authorities to help him solve this situation with his current team. Recently, the NHL Players’ Association revealed that Kakko is among 11 players who filed for salary arbitration on Saturday.

A restricted free agent this offseason, Kakko can’t negotiate with other NHL teams yet. The Kraken recently extended him a qualifying offer, but his petition for league intermediation suggests it didn’t satisfy him.

Kappo not shying away from dispute despite changing Rangers for Kraken

This could see Kakko in a tough spot only months after leaving behind a tumultuous situation in New York. A fallout with then Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette due to lack of playing time led to his trade to Seattle in December, a change that had a positive impact in his performance last season.

“Over here, I feel there’s a good chance for me,” Kakko said about his change of scenery in January, via Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com. “I mean, I can already say, like, confidence is way better than it’s been for a long time. Even the coaches said, like, ‘You’re going to make mistakes sometimes, but keep trying to make plays.‘”

Kakko got his career back on track in Seattle, recording 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 49 games with the Kraken in the 2024-25 NHL season. However, that isn’t preventing him from letting his contract demands be known. Even if that means getting the NHL involved.

Kappo, Kraken could still reach an agreement without the NHL’s intervention

Still, this doesn’t guarantee things will get ugly for Kappo in Seattle. Salary arbitration hearings won’t start before July 20, which gives the Kraken and the player plenty of time to find a solution without a third party.

In fact, filing for salary arbitration is often a mere tactic used by players to put pressure on their teams, pushing them to provide a fair contract before the NHL forces them to do so.

In 2024, 14 restricted free agents filed for salary arbitration but only Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney needed a hearing with an independent arbitrator to get a new deal. Only time will tell whether there’s a happy ending to this situation for Kappo in Seattle.

Murray, 31, inked a one-year contract worth $1 million, marking his first NHL deal since undergoing bilateral hip surgery in October 2023. After spending most of last season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, where he quietly delivered a standout campaign, Murray is now headed west in search of a fresh start.

For the Maple Leafs, it’s another change in a summer that has already reshaped the team’s identity. Though he was no longer the primary option in net, Murray’s experience and presence still carried weight inside the locker room.

A quiet but effective comeback in the AHL

Murray’s numbers with the Toronto Marlies were a reminder of his pedigree. In 21 appearances, he posted a 10–5–4 record, 1.72 GAA, .934 save percentage, and three shutouts, showcasing form that had previously earned him two Stanley Cup rings with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

While his stint in the NHL last season was limited—just two games, with a 1–1–0 record and .879 save percentage—it’s the progress he showed post-surgery that caught the attention of Kraken GM Jason Botterill.

“Matt’s a veteran goalie with a proven track record of winning,” Botterill said. “He’s a two-time Cup champion who gives us depth in goal. We’re excited to have him join our team.”

A familiar face in the front office and an open opportunity

Botterill’s connection to Murray goes beyond admiration: he served as associate GM in Pittsburgh during Murray’s championship run, and now brings him into a Seattle team that needs reliability and experience between the pipes.

With Philipp Grubauer expected to represent Germany in the upcoming Olympics and Ales Stezka leaving the organization, a potential backup spot is now in play. Murray could find himself suiting up again at the NHL level if his body holds up through camp.

“Matt has dealt with injuries. We feel he’s healthy. We feel he’s hungry to compete for a position,” Botterill added. “He obviously has the pedigree of knowing what it takes to win a Stanley Cup.”