Grubauer said a huge statement about the Kraken's chances this season

Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer expressed strong confidence in his team's ability to make a significant impact in the Pacific Division this coming season.

"Absolutely," Grubauer shared with NHL Network on Tuesday night. "Last year was incredibly tight, right? You can't afford to slip up. You've got to be ready from Game 1. So many teams have made big upgrades and signed new players. It's tough to predict, but we definitely have a good shot at making the playoffs again."

The Kraken missed the postseason by 17 points this past spring, a stark contrast to their first playoff appearance the year before. Seattle was only two points away from a wild-card spot before the All-Star break, but their playoff hopes faded after going 13-16-3 in the latter part of the season, including an eight-game winless streak in March.

In a bid to return to playoff contention, general manager Ron Francis signed defenseman Brandon Montour and forward Chandler Stephenson on July 1. Montour recently lifted the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, while Stephenson played a key role in the Vegas Golden Knights' 2023 championship run.

"I don't think last year was our year," Grubauer remarked. "But the cards will be dealt anew. We're excited to get back on the ice. We've added players who've recently won championships, not a decade ago. The game has evolved, and they bring valuable experience."

"We also have players growing more comfortable in their roles, and as a team, we're coming together. We know what we're capable of."

Grubauer has been the Kraken's starting goaltender since the team's inception, though he has yet to achieve a season save percentage over .900 with Seattle.

The German netminder missed two months of the 2023-24 season due to injuries but showed improvement upon his return in February, posting a .912 save percentage and a 9-7-1 record in his last 19 games.

Grubauer is under contract for three more seasons with a cap hit of $5.9 million, having signed with Seattle as an unrestricted free agent in July 2021.

The 32-year-old goaltender holds a career .911 save percentage and a 158-122-32 record in 344 games, spanning his time with the Kraken, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals.

Grubauer was part of the Capitals' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2018.

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