Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kraken’s Philipp Grubauer Recalled From Coachella Valley

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jess Amato | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 12:19 PM ET

The Seattle Kraken used their off day to make some transactions. On March 2, they recalled goaltender Philipp Grubauer from the Coachella Valley Firebirds and sent Niklas Kokko back down to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.

Grubauer was sent down to the AHL on Jan. 29 for some conditioning, as he was not performing well in the NHL. He played seven games and earned five wins and two losses. He earned a save percentage (SV%) of .893 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.87.

The #SeaKraken have recalled goaltender Philipp Grubauer from the Coachella Valley @Firebirds.

Additionally, the team have reassigned Nikke Kokko to Coachella. pic.twitter.com/2qPCeVyDPa
— Seattle Kraken PR (@SeattleKrakenPR) March 3, 2025

His AHL record is much better than his current record in the NHL. In 21 games played, he has recorded five wins, the same number in the AHL, just 14 games less. His NHL SV% is .866 and his GAA is 3.83.

While Grubauer was called back up to the Kraken, Kokko was sent back down. He played in his first NHL game after Joey Daccord was pulled from the net against the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 25. He earned a .667 SV% and a 4.01 GAA. His performance was not a good display of his skill. In his first season with the Firebirds, he has played in 21 games and earned a .909 SV% and a 2.44 GAA. Despite being a great goalie in the AHL, he has demonstrated that he is not ready to be a full-time backup in the NHL. At least he has earned some experience playing at this level, but he will need a little more practice.

Even though he only played seven games in the AHL, Grubauer is now back in the win column. Hopefully, this will restore his confidence so he can finish out the season as Daccord’s backup goaltender.

The Kraken’s next game is on Tuesday, March 4, when they take on the Minnesota Wild at Climate Pledge Arena. This game is also a giveaway night for a Philipp Grubauer bobblehead. Hopefully, he’ll be able to pick up a bobblehead of his likeness to celebrate his return to the NHL.