In today's NHL rumor mill, the Seattle Kraken may be making changes in goal. Meanwhile, is Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild dealing with an injury? In Colorado, the Avalanche picked up Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers. Does that mean someone else will be kicked out? Both of their other online retailers are struggling.
Kraken's Goaltending Plans After Daccord Extension
The Seattle Kraken's goaltending situation has become an interesting story to watch as the team signed Joey Daccord to a five-year contract worth $5 million per year, starting next season. With Philipp Grubauer already earning $5.9 million per year through 2026-27, the Kraken have invested heavily in their goaltending duo.
Kate Shefte of The Seattle Times note that this extension raises questions about Grubauer's future in Seattle. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet suggested the Kraken could consider a buyout option for Grubauer if they want to free up cap space and make room for Daccord to take on a bigger role.
Shefte writes:
Right now, Daccord and Philipp Grubauer are expected to share the net until someone shows they need it more. If that's Daccord, who led the Kraken on a furious, epic, and compelling charge last winter, what happened?
source – 'Joey Daccord's five-year extension sparks interest in Kraken's raiding future' – Kate Shefte The Seattle Times – 10/12/2024
Next summer's purchases will have a minimum value of $1.983 million in 2025-26, but will rise to $3.083 million in 2026-27 before falling to $1.683 million in the final two years. Trading Grubauer is also an option, but would require the Kraken to retain salary or include significant assets in the deal.
Joel Eriksson Ek Out For Jets Game Following Kraken Injury
According to Elliotte Friedman, Minnesota Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek did not travel with the team to Winnipeg for tonight's game against the Jets due to an injury that appeared in the game against the Seattle Kraken. The injury occurred in the second half when Eriksson Ek was covered in blood after being hit by Kraken defender Adam Larsson, whose elbow caught the 27-year-old in the upper half.
Eriksson Ek tried to come back in the third period; however, after just one shift, he left the ice again and did not return for the rest of the game. It's not clear how long he will miss, but Friedman reports that the injury is not serious.
Wildcat head coach John Hynes did not provide any updates on Eriksson Ek's condition after the game.
Are the Avalanche ready to move Alexander Georgiev?
The Colorado Avalanche claimed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers, bolstering their goaltending depth. The move raises questions about the Avalanche's faith in current goaltenders Alexander Georgiev and Justus Annunen, especially after struggling in recent games.
Related: Maple Leafs' Trust in Joseph Woll Misnamed in Question
Kahkonen, 28, had a rough season with the San Jose Sharks. However, his combined season stats may not tell the whole story, as he played well after being traded to the Devils. There, his numbers improved with a .923 save percentage and 2.51 GAA over his last six games.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed disappointment with his team's scoring, saying, “It's not good enough,” after Georgiev's lackluster performance in a recent loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Star player Mikko Rantanen echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the team needs to save better. In Saturday's loss to Columbus, Georgiev had a .667 save percentage (three goals on nine shots) and Annunen had a .846 save percentage, allowing two goals on 13 shots.
The writing may be on the wall in Colorado where the Avs may try to move or buy one of their struggling goaltenders.
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