Kraken win preseason opener
Kraken Defeat Canucks 4-2 in Preseason Opener Featuring Young Lineups
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Key Points
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A recent change to the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement allowed both teams to use predominantly young lineups: preseason games no longer require at least eight veterans, while veterans are limited to appearing in two preseason games.
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Canucks coach Manny Malhotra acknowledged the compressed preparation schedule, saying, “Trying to cover all your systems in two days is a tall task,” while noting that the team had at least reviewed every system before the game.
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Vancouver’s projected top line was built around 2025 first-round pick Braeden Cootes, with Arshdeep Bains and Jonathan Lekkerimäki on his wings; all three were competing for NHL jobs and could form a prominent line for Abbotsford this season.
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Seattle prospect Jagger Firkus entered preseason with a strong AHL résumé, having improved from 36 points in 69 games in 2024-25 to 56 points in 63 games the following season, strengthening his bid to make the NHL roster or earn a call-up.
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Malhotra said the Canucks were evaluating more than results, emphasizing “foundational habits,” puck-battle intensity, positional discipline and competition as the main standards for the young players’ first preseason opportunity.
The Seattle Kraken defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 in their preseason opener, with Seattle's depth and bubble players outperforming Vancouver's young lineup after just two days of training camp. National Post reported that the short preseason makes every lineup decision ruthless for the Canucks, as both teams relied on prospects and fringe roster candidates rather than established stars.
Kraken's Early Goaltending and Offensive Depth Shine
Joey Daccord stopped all 14 shots he faced before being replaced, setting a strong tone for Seattle's defense. Vancouver goalie Nikita Tolopilo surrendered a soft opening goal early, a sign of the adjustment struggles both teams face when learning new systems. Daccord's perfect spell gave Seattle confidence in its depth goaltending options.
New NHL Rules Allow Teams to Field Younger Rosters
A recent change to the NHL's collective bargaining agreement eliminated the requirement for at least eight veterans in preseason games. Veterans are now limited to appearing in just two preseason contests, allowing teams to evaluate prospects without burning veteran slots. National Post noted that this compressed schedule forces ruthless decisions about which players stay and which move to minor leagues.
Canucks Coach Emphasizes System Fundamentals Over Wins
Manny Malhotra acknowledged the challenge of preparing young players under time pressure. "Trying to cover all your systems in two days is a tall task," he said, though Vancouver had reviewed every system beforehand. Malhotra evaluated players on foundational habits, puck-battle intensity, positional discipline and competition—not just the final score.
Vancouver's Young Stars Battle for Bottom-Six Spots
Vancouver built its top line around 2025 first-round pick Braeden Cootes, with Arshdeep Bains and Jonathan Lekkerimäki as wings. All three competed for NHL jobs and could form a prominent line for the AHL's Abbotsford squad this season. Seattle's Jagger Firkus entered preseason with a strong minor league résumé after scoring 56 points in 63 games, strengthening his bid to make the NHL roster or earn a call-up.
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