Seattle Kraken set to join the NHL as 32nd franchise

NHL expansion team will begin play in 2021-22 season

New team will be based in Seattle, Washington

The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to expand to 32 teams with the addition of the Seattle Kraken. The new team will begin play in the 2021-22 season and will be based in Seattle, Washington.

The Kraken are the first new NHL team since the Vegas Golden Knights joined the league in 2017. The expansion fee for the Kraken is $650 million, which is the same amount that the Golden Knights paid to join the NHL.

The Kraken will play their home games at Climate Pledge Arena, which is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2021. The arena will have a capacity of 17,000 fans.

The Kraken are owned by a group led by David Bonderman, who is the co-founder of the private equity firm TPG Capital. The team's president and general manager is Ron Francis, who is a former NHL player and executive.

The Kraken have already signed several players, including forwards Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz, and defenseman Mark Giordano. The team is expected to be competitive in its first season.

Impact of the Kraken on the NHL

The addition of the Kraken will have a significant impact on the NHL. The new team will create a new rivalry in the Pacific Division, and it will also give fans in the Seattle area a chance to see NHL hockey live.

The Kraken are also expected to be a competitive team, which will make the NHL even more exciting. The addition of a new team will also create more job opportunities for players, coaches, and other hockey professionals.

Conclusion

The Seattle Kraken are a welcome addition to the NHL. The new team will bring excitement to the league and will give fans in the Seattle area a chance to see NHL hockey live. The Kraken are expected to be a competitive team, which will make the NHL even more exciting.