Kraken Recall Nikke Kokko As Non-Roster Third Goalie

Nikke Kokko will travel to his native Finland with the Seattle Kraken ahead of the 2026 NHL Global Series. The netminder has been recalled as a non-roster, emergency third-string option as Seattle prepares for two games against the Carolina Hurricanes. Both games will take place at Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki, roughly a seven hour drive south of Kokko’s hometown of Oulu. He played much of his junior and early pro career close to Oulu.

Kokko has served as the starter for the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds to start the season. He has set a 4-3-3 record and .893 save percentage through 10 games so far. While a meager stat-line, Kokko has outperformed backup Victor Ostman, who has a 1-2-1 record and .872 save percentage through four games.

Kokko has served as Coachella Valley’s starter through the last two seasons, combining for a 39-20-4 record and .907 save percentage through 68 games. He has also made four appearances in the NHL, marked by a 1-2-0 record and .875 save percentage.

The Finnish goaltender will only be available if both Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer become unavailable during the back-to-back games. If not, he’ll enjoy a trip with Finnish compatriots Kaapo Kakko, Jani Nyman, and Eeli Tolvanen.