To be fair this seasons roster looks much different than last years. Their expansion draft had minimal impact on this seasons playoff run. I feel the additions this year were the driving factor. Only 10 of the 30 expansion picks are with the team now, excluding Dreidger and Daccord.
From what I’ve read the Kraken had some of the same opportunities as LV but decided not to take on big contracts in lieu of keep cap flexibility and roster flexibility.
The cap space allowed them to sign UFA Grubauer last year and several key additions this year(Bjorkstrand, Tolvanen and Burakovsky). With the draft rule changes I think Francis played it perfectly and set this team up for continuing success. They have a grip of young players in the system that had fantastic seasons. Those guys will either fortify the Kraken roster or bring in great trade value for years to come.
I even think Hakstol has been a wise pick. As the roster improved he has too. Interesting that this was his first playoff series win. After the rough first season he was on the hot seat, another stinker and I think he would’ve been ousted. This historic win bought him at least one more season, with a little Seattle magic he could become the first Kraken coaching legend.
I Like It…..