With Philipp Grubauer out of action, Martin Jones becomes the Seattle Kraken’s top goalie. Jones has always done his best work on the West Coast.
When the Seattle Kraken signed Martin Jones on the first day of free agency, many fans were left scratching their heads. Why would Ron Francis sign another NHL goaltender? Especially one that has been playing well below average the past few years. Numerous factors went into the decision.
Driedger Injury
Chris Driedger was finally finding his form in the offseason. He stole the crease for Team Canada in the World Championships and led them to the Gold Medal match.
In the third period, Driedger made an awkward save. Next thing, he’s lying on his back in excruciating pain. Driedger tore his right ACL and immediately underwent surgery.
His recovery time was slated to be eight months; the soonest Driedger could reasonably return to the Seattle Kraken lineup would be January 2023. By that time, half the season would be lost.
Based on his awful stats from the inaugural season, Francis couldn’t bank on Philipp Grubauer winning games from the crease. Insert AHL goaltender Joey Daccord.
Joey Daccord
Many Seattle Kraken fans immediately assumed the injury would result in Joey Daccord getting his time to shine in the NHL. The only issue is that Joey Daccord is no longer waiver-exempt.
What would Seattle do come January when Driedger returns? If the Kraken put Daccord on waivers mid-season, trying to return him to Coachella Valley, chances are he would not clear.
Another team could pick him up, and the Kraken get nothing in return. Francis wasn’t about to gamble on that. Especially if Daccord is Seattle’s goalie of the future.
Giving him a full season as a #1 goaltender in the AHL will help build his confidence. Daccord’s time is coming – it just is not here yet.
The only option Francis had left was to go after a backup goalie in the offseason.
Next: Page 2 – Going Outside the Organization
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