Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer was named by insider Elliotte Friedman as a possible buyout candidate. 

Grubauer is entering the fifth year of a six-year contract he signed with the Kraken back in 2021, which pays him $5.9M per season. During his tenure with the Kraken, Grubauer has seen his numbers stay well below league average, posting .889 SP, .895 SP, .899 SP and last season, the lowest of his career, .875 SP. 

The German netminder is 33 years old and has not shown any signs of finding his game. The Kraken likely project to miss the playoffs again next season, which means the penalty they'll pay for the buyout won't hurt their chances of chasing players at the trade deadline. 

The NHL buyout window is currently open but will close on Jun. 30 before the start of free agency.

Although Friedman lists Grubauer as one to watch when discussing the threats of buyouts, it seems that the Kraken may be more inclined to let Grubauer play out another season of his contract. While Nikke Kokko is developing very well in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken should remain patient with his development.

The hiring of a new goaltender coach also serves as a small indication that they could be giving Grubauer another chance to prove himself as a serviceable goaltender. Grubauer and Joey Daccord had a lot of positive things to say about newly hired Colin Zulianello when they were in the AHL with the Firebirds. 

“Colin really cares and is just so passionate about us as people and his goalies,” Daccord said. “We created an awesome relationship and friendship. He’s been super helpful to me. I value his opinion and coaching so much. Coming from a teaching background, you can tell because of the way he's able to get his message across.”

With 10 days before the buyout window closes, the Kraken front office, headed by general manager Jason Botterill, will have a lot to discuss and think about in regards to Grubauer's future with the Kraken. 

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