How Mackie Samoskevich’s Stanley Cup Experience Could Help the Kraken

Mackie Samoskevich has brought a taste of Stanley Cup success to Seattle, and through the Kraken’s first five games, he’s already making himself at home.

The young forward has scored three goals in five games, including twice in his first home game, while earning a spot alongside Jared McCann and Matty Beniers on Seattle’s top line. It’s an encouraging start for Samoskevich, who arrives with something the Kraken hope will help them take the next step: experience playing for a championship team.

Samoskevich spent his first full NHL season with the Florida Panthers in 2024–25, recording 31 points, including 15 goals, and helping Florida win its second consecutive Stanley Cup. Along the way, he learned that success in the postseason often comes down to the details that don’t always show up on the scoresheet.

“Stuff you learn in Florida, that work and playoffs, all the hard stuff, hard little things in the corners,” Samoskevich said in an interview with KING-TV (Channel 5).

Those lessons could be especially useful for a Seattle team looking to get back to the playoffs. The Kraken have reached the postseason just once in franchise history, and adding depth has been a priority this offseason.

Samoskevich, who recorded one assist in four playoff games during the Panthers’ 2024 postseason run, saw firsthand how much a team’s depth matters when chasing a championship. Florida’s success was fueled by players stepping into bigger roles when needed, a lesson he now brings to Seattle as the Kraken look to strengthen their own playoff hopes.

“We really need everyone, I think,” he continued. “Looking back at the run that we had, we had a ton of guys who were called up to play a bigger role, and they stepped up big.”

That’s a lesson Seattle hopes to put into practice this season. Having players ready to contribute when their number is called could make a difference as the Kraken look to become a more consistent contender.

For now, Samoskevich is settling in nicely. His early production is a promising sign, but Seattle will need more than a hot start to reach its postseason goals.