Seattle Kraken: Important 2022-23 offseason dates to know
For the Seattle Kraken, it’s already next year. These are some important offseason dates for Kraken fans to remember.
While the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue, the Seattle Kraken season ended last weekend. With an eye toward the 2022-23 season, here are some offseason dates Kraken fans should know.
On Tuesday, May 10, the NHL holds its annual Draft Lottery from the NHL Network’s television studio in New Jersey. The telecast begins at 3:30 p.m. PDT and can be seen in the United States on ESPN and ESPN+.
As a result of their 30th place finish in the overall league standings, the Seattle Kraken have the third-best odds, 11.5%, to land the number one pick. For reference here are the odds for the other 13 lottery teams:
Montreal Canadiens: 18.5%, Arizona Coyotes: 13.5%, Philadelphia Flyers: 9.5%, New Jersey Devils: 8.5%, Chicago Blackhawks: 7.5%, Ottawa Senators: 6.5%, Detroit Red Wings: 6.0%, Buffalo Sabres: 5.0%, Anaheim Ducks: 3.5%, San Jose Sharks: 3.0%, Columbus Blue Jackets: 2.5%, New York Islanders: 2.0%, Winnipeg Jets: 1.5%, Vancouver Canucks: 0.5%, and Vegas Golden Knights: 0.5%.
The 2022 NHL Scouting Combine, takes place from May 29 to June 4. Top draft-eligible North American and international prospects have the chance to show their stuff at the KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York.
The Stanley Cup Finals will end anywhere from June 24 to June 30, depending on how many games the series goes.
On Thursday, July 7, the Montreal Canadiens host the 2022 NHL Draft at their home rink, the Bell Centre. Round 1 starts on Thursday, July 7, followed by Rounds 2-7 on Friday, July 8.
For 2022-23, the NHL salary cap rises to $82.5M. Keep that number in mind when NHL free agency begins on July 13. Expect the Seattle Kraken to be busy adding players. According to Capfriendly.com, before re-signing restricted free agents, Seattle is $22.9M under the cap.
FYI
Believe it or not, even though the trade deadline was in March, NHL teams can make trades at any time. It’s just that the players can’t debut for their new teams until the next season begins. Hopefully, GM Ron Francis is working the phones and laying some groundwork for future deals.
There is no word if or when the Seattle Kraken will hold a prospects camp. If they do, it’s usually prior to pre-season, around the end of August to the beginning of September.