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NHL Journeyman Joins Seattle Kraken Only Weeks After Announcing Retirement

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 11:34 AM ET

At 35-years of age, Zac Dalpe retired from the NHL this off-season, but quickly he's been scooped up by the Seattle Kraken in an intriguing coaching role.

Back in 2008, the Carolina Hurricanes used a second-round pick on centre Zac Dalpe out of Ontario, and throughout his career, he went on to be a very solid player and depth piece for many teams throughout the league over his career.

Although he played in just 168 NHL games, Dalpe appeared in over 300 games in the American Hockey League, lastly with the Charlotte Checkers over the past three seasons, ending his career with 1 goal and 3 points in 2024/25.

However, he announced his retirement after the 2024/25 campaign, ending his career in the National Hockey League with 16 goals and 32 points across those 168 games with Carolina, Vancouver, Buffalo, Minnesota, Columbus and Florida.

Zac Dalpe finds a new role in hockey rather quickly

Despite the recent announcement, Dalpe is already onto his next venture, as he has officially joined the Seattle Kraken in the role of player development, a position that is perfect for the former veteran centre.

At 35-years of age, Dalpe is young enough to grow and develop in this role into a potential coach of the future in the NHL, and with great experience and relationships with so many in the league, it's set him up perfectly.

For now though, he's focused on his new opportunity in Seattle, and if he can thrive in his new role, it's safe to say that he's got a very bright future ahead in hockey after a fantastic playing career mainly in the American Hockey League.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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