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Key Takeaways From Kraken’s Exit Interviews

Eeli Tolvanen, Seattle Kraken (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

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Key Takeaways From Kraken’s Exit Interviews

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jess Amato | Last updated Apr 21, 2026 1:10 PM ET

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The Seattle Kraken‘s 2025-26 season ended on April 16, after missing the playoffs for a third straight year. On April 17, the team hosted a locker clean-out day, and several players spoke to the media about this season and what comes next. Here are the major takeaways from the Kraken’s exit interviews.

Larsson Held Nothing Back

Adam Larsson didn’t hold back when asked about the Kraken’s performance, stating:

As the team moves forward, I think the guys that have been here for a while needs to take a hard look in the mirror and the guy that comes back next year has to be ready to go. We won’t see the same group, that rarely happens… we all have to be better individually.

Larsson’s words might have been harsh, but they were also true. The Kraken collapsed at the end of the season, which led to them missing the playoffs. With several players becoming unrestricted free agents (UFAs) and restricted free agents (RFAs) on July 1, those who earn a spot on the team will need to reflect on their season and come back stronger in 2026-27.

McCann Had a Message for the Young Players

Larsson wasn’t the only one with harsh words. Jared McCann specifically laid into the younger players, stating:

As for moving forward here, we need guys to buy in and to take this seriously, especially the summer… the younger guys need to take it more seriously when it comes to things change if you don’t win.

This comment was tough but necessary. As the March 6 trade deadline approached, rumours heated up, with Shane Wright’s name in the mix. Wright is a 22-year-old center who has been with the team for four seasons, but only full-time in the last two. His entry-level contract lasts through next season, so it would be a shame to lose him. But he also needs a place where he can continue to grow and not stagnate.

McMann is a Pending UFA

Bobby McMann didn’t spend much time with the Kraken this season, but said he had a lot of fun in Seattle. When asked whether he would be open to staying, McMann didn’t answer one way or the other, stating:

It’s an organization that has treated me super well, a city that I’ve really enjoyed since coming here and got to know a little bit. It’s something I could see happening, in sticking around but, obviously, I need to do some reflecting and thinking and talk to my agents and see what the plan is.

McMann is a pending UFA, and there is no denying his impact on the team since he joined. Whether or not he sticks around will be up to him and the front office, but many will be hoping he’s around for the long haul.

Tolvanen Could Also Leave

Another pending UFA, Eeli Tolvanen, spoke eloquently about his time in Seattle, stating, “I loved my time here, and I was fortunate, you know, picked up from waivers from Nashville, and got an opportunity here. Ever since, it feels like home here. I really enjoyed everybody here, the teammates and the city, would love to come back.”

Tolvanen kept his cards close to his chest, commenting on the team’s disappointing season, but not confirming or denying whether he would re-sign with Seattle. He loves the city and the team, but it’s hard to know what management is thinking heading into the offseason.

Lambert Continues to Build The Team

When head coach Lane Lambert answered questions, he spoke about the near future. He spoke about areas the Kraken have already been working on to improve for next season and how he has been a key part of that growth.

The Kraken just finished their fifth season in the NHL, and Lambert is their third head coach. The team must continue to build with Lambert at the helm. Ultimately, this decision will come down to general manager Jason Botterill, but Lambert’s comments seem like a good sign that he will return next season.

He kept the team close to a playoff spot many times this season, and many players spoke highly of him, which is another good sign for his return. Lambert’s future, as well as the makeup of the roster, will be realized in the next couple of months.

Kraken Rapid Fire Takeaways

Every player who spoke to the media noted that it was a disappointing end to the season.
Larsson spoke about his 1000th game ceremony, saying he doesn’t like being the center of attention and he “never thought he would get to that point”. Being a pillar of the Kraken’s defense and his career is something he “doesn’t take for granted”, and he is forever thankful to Seattle for that celebration.
Jordan Eberle praised McMann and his impact on the team, despite being a late acquisition.
McCann stated he had just had another procedure in Utah, hopping right off the plane and heading to his exit interview. The procedure was to fix a lingering injury from 2024-25. He played through it all season, but stated he will be good to go for next year.
Jaden Schwartz was unsure of his future with the team, but stated he loved his time in Seattle.
Brandon Montour stated that he is “here for the long haul”. He wants to see the Kraken move in a better direction and help make sure that it happens.
Matty Beniers noted that he became a more vocal leader as the season developed.
Philipp Grubauer attributed his performance this season to the coaching staff and earning more ice time.
Berkly Catton’s “ah-ha moment” was getting hit by Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson, stating, “That hurts”.
Joey Daccord stated that if Nikke Kokko had scored a goalie goal before him, he would have been rattled.