Three Seattle Kraken Players Primed for a 2024-25 Comeback

As the Kraken look ahead to the 2024-25 season, several players stand out as critical bounce-back candidates who could help turn things around if they can recapture their form. Let's dive into who they are.

Matty Beniers remains the only Kraken player to have won an NHL award, claiming the Calder Trophy in 2023 for his stellar rookie season. That year, he racked up 57 points with 24 goals and 33 assists in 80 games, finishing with a solid plus-14 rating. He also contributed seven points in 14 playoff games.

However, Beniers struggled in his sophomore season, managing just 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 77 games and seeing his plus/minus drop to minus-11. The pressure of following up an award-winning rookie year likely weighed on him, but the 2024-25 season will be a chance for him to prove he can maintain consistency like other past Calder winners.

Vince Dunn had a tough 2023-24 season, hampered by injuries that kept him out of 23 games, including a neck injury suffered against the Calgary Flames in March. Despite these setbacks, Dunn still managed 46 points (11 goals, 35 assists) in 59 games and a plus-8 rating, though this was a decline from his impressive 2022-23 season where he posted 64 points and a team-best plus-28 in 81 games.

Dunn's ability to stay healthy and return to form will be crucial for the Kraken. When he's on the ice, he delivers, and a full season from him could significantly bolster Seattle's defense and overall performance.

At first glance, Oliver Bjorkstrand might not seem like a bounce-back candidate. His point production improved from 45 points in 2022-23 to 59 in 2023-24, and he even participated in the NHL All-Star activities. However, his plus/minus has been inconsistent. In 2021-22 with Columbus, he posted a minus-35, but rebounded to minus-1 in his first season with Seattle when the team made the playoffs. Unfortunately, last season, he dropped to minus-20, despite increased offensive output.

Bjorkstrand's inconsistency in his defensive play, particularly during a disastrous March where he was minus-13, hurt the Kraken during critical moments. Improving his defensive consistency could make a significant difference for Seattle in the upcoming season.

Each of these players-Beniers, Dunn, and Bjorkstrand-faced unique challenges in 2023-24. As the Kraken look to rebound, their return to form could be key to a successful 2024-25 season.