The Seattle Kraken’s connection to “Hello Kitty” night is getting another run on Jan. 19 when they visit the L.A. Kings.
The Kings’ theme-night promotion includes “Mini Tote Bags” and a shot at a “Mystery Box Hello Kitty Mini Plushie,” according to the team website. Seattle already had a memorable night the first time the Kings staged a Hello Kitty game against the Kraken back in February. In that one, defenseman Adam “Big Cat” Larsson scored, Shane Wright buried two goals, and the Kraken skated away with a 4-2 win.
There’s also more Kraken-adjacent news bubbling up beyond the ice. In Seattle, basketball fans have been hearing that an expansion Sonics team could be announced as soon as December. If that happens, the team would most likely be owned by One Roof Sports & Entertainment, the same group that owns the Kraken, and would play at Climate Pledge Arena.
And December might not just be big for basketball. TheScore.com reports that the NHL could also announce its 33rd team that month, with Houston as the destination. The report says, “ Dan Friedkin, whose net worth is $6.4 billion, according to Forbes, would be the owner of the 33rd franchise.
“Commissioner Gary Bettman said in June that the investment required would be $3.5 billion, split between an expansion fee and the cost of a new arena in one of the cities. Canadian expansion isn’t on the NHL’s immediate radar due to a lack of prospective owners.”
One more familiar name tied to Seattle is Marc Stad. ESPN.com reported that, “He joined the original ownership group in the NHL’s Seattle Kraken in 2018 as a minority shareholder, holding close relationships with owner Samantha Holloway and her father, the late David Bonderman.”
Stad has now finalized a deal to become the majority owner of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx for $4.5 billion. He’s the managing partner of Dragoneer Investment Group, and former Mariner Alex Rodriguez will remain an investor in both Minnesota teams while increasing his stake.
In Other News...
Kraken Still Have A Tough Call To Make On Physical Forward
Jacob Melanson remains in limbo with the Kraken as the offseason rolls on. The physical forward is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights, and Seattle has already made the qualifying offer to keep the door open on a new deal. After appearing in 36 games last season and leading the club in hits, Melanson has carved out a clear identity as the kind of depth piece who can add edge and energy, even if the contract he is expected to sign would likely only bring a modest bump.
The wrinkle for Seattle is roster management, because moving Melanson out of the lineup is not a simple paper shuffle. If the Kraken wanted to send him to Coachella Valley, he would have to clear waivers first, which gives his situation a little more weight than a routine unsigned RFA. There has not been any confirmed trade involving him, so for now the team is left weighing whether to bring him back in the same role or risk a tricky next step with a player who has already shown he can make himself useful. [Read more 🡒]
Kraken Fans Have A Real Reason To Study This Pacific Forecast
The Pacific Divisions early forecast has a little extra bite for Seattle fans this year, because the path through the standings looks as crowded as ever. Coaching changes, roster shuffling and cap pressure have already reshaped the landscape for Edmonton, San Jose, Vegas, Anaheim and Los Angeles, and the division feels like one of those races where every small move can matter by spring.
For the Kraken, the most interesting part is not just who got better, but who may be forced to make hard choices before the season really settles in. A few of the familiar contenders are carrying real roster uncertainty, and while that opens the door for Seattle to climb, it also means the division picture could change fast once the games start counting for real. [Read more 🡒]