Photo: Chris Johnston
The 32nd team of the NHL finally unveiled their team name, which will be the Seattle Kraken and logo on Thursday. Their inaugural season will be in 2021-22.
Seattle was awarded an NHL franchise on December 4, 2018. The ownership group featuring billionaire managing partner David Bonderman and Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer paid an expansion fee of $650 million to get Seattle a franchise.
The team will play at Climate Pledge Arena.
The expansion draft will be held after the 2020-21 NHL season. The .Kraken will be required to select one player from each team. They will have to draft at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen, three goalies, and 20 players already under contract for the 2021-22 season.
The team will be in the Pacific Division. The Arizona Coyotes will move to the Central Division when Seattle comes in.
The team had been pushing to release its name earlier but ran into trademark issues and the COVID-19 pandemic also put plans on hold.
A legend from the deep awakens.
Meet the Seattle Kraken → https://t.co/to5BtVVPh1 pic.twitter.com/FQfOdaiGQQ
— Seattle Kraken (@NHLSeattle_) July 23, 2020
By Harrison Brown
Hey, freshman. Check your phone.
📱 @NHLSeattle_ 📱 pic.twitter.com/IE1GEBmRS9
— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 23, 2020