Former Star Goalie Now NHL Network Analyst
Goalie Devan Dubnyk actually finished his career in the same place many Seattle Kraken prospects began theirs - with the AHL Charlotte Checkers in 2021.
As a dual affiliate of the Kraken and Florida Panthers during Seattle's inaugural season, the Checkers' roster included Kole Lind, Alexander True, Cale Fleury, and Joey Daccord. Dubnyk wasn't there long, playing four games on a tryout, then announcing his retirement.
The high point of Dubynk's 12-season NHL career came in 2014-15 with the Minnesota Wild. He posted a 1.78 goals-against average and .936 save percentage.
So why the trip down Deven Dubnyk memory lane? Because he's now an NHL Network studio analyst. This week, he shared thoughts on the prior Kraken season. He also pinpointed one area of weakness, which if Seattle can fix, would make them an even stronger team in 2023-24.
Devan Dubynk's Analysis Of Seattle Kraken On NHL Network
"To have a turnaround like this in such a short period of time, where now the product is there, this is an exciting team to watch. They led the league in 5-on-5 goals, getting contributions from everyone.
"They seemed like a really tight-knit group. I think when you're getting contributions from everyone, that's what happens. Everybody becomes very close because everybody's needed.
"Then you go into the playoffs and beat Colorado. Everybody thought whoever fell into that spot was 'game over.' An incredible effort by this group to beat Colorado, and almost take down Dallas, too.
"Their power play was not very good in the regular season. It was even worse in the playoffs. But that's not a personnel thing. If you have all these guys who can put pucks in 5-on-5, which is a lot more difficult, than you have no reason not to score on the power play. They certainly have the personnel to do it.
"This is a very good hockey team. This is not a Cinderella story, (where you say) 'Not gonna happen next year.' They essentially kept their group together, give or take a couple of guys. They went through all this learning together, so there's no reason to think anything's going to change.
"If they can continue that 5-on-5 scoring, and add a little bit on the power play - it doesn't have to be the best in the league, but add a little bit - they're going to be even better than they were last year."