Release the Kraken: What is left on the team's to-do list before 2021 season opener?

SEATTLE — After a near four-year process, the wait is almost over. Seattle is ready for the Kraken, and the Kraken are ready to drop the puck in October at Climate Pledge Arena.

To recap, in the summer of 2019, the formerly known “NHL Seattle” made its first big announcement in hiring general manager Ron Francis. Then the following summer, they unveiled the much-anticipated Kraken name, logo and official sweater.

However, before they can officially take the ice next fall, the Kraken still have a couple boxes to check on their to-do list.

KRAKEN COACHING SEARCH

First and foremost, who’s going to be the first head coach in franchise history?

Kraken ownership has reportedly given Francis and the front office the go-ahead to hire a boss on the bench when they see fit, and one name to keep in mind is Gerard Gallant. The 57-year-old Gallant has experience leading an expansion franchise; serving as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights during their first three seasons—most notably in 2018, when he led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final.

Whether it’s Gallant or another name, expect a decision to come late spring or early summer.

NHL EXPANSION DRAFT (July 21)

The first group of Kraken players will join the franchise on July 21 via the NHL Expansion Draft. Seattle will select one player from each NHL team (except for Vegas) to bring their total to 30 players.

However, there is a catch. Current NHL teams will be able to protect up to 10 players on their roster, so don’t expect the Kraken to come away with an all-star squad featuring players like Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov or Patrick Kane.

NHL ENTRY DRAFT (July 23-24)

Once the dust settles from the expansion draft, the Kraken will turn their attention towards the first round of the NHL Entry Draft July 23 and the remaining six rounds the following day. That’s where the team can select young amateur talent they hope will help shape the next powerhouse franchise in the NHL.

The NHL uses a lottery to determine the order of the draft, and as it stands—the Kraken have the third-best odds of securing the first overall pick.

NHL FREE AGENCY (Begins July 28)

Four days after the draft, Seattle will look to add more veteran talent as free agency begins July 28. That day the Kraken and other NHL teams will be able to make a run at established NHL players who might be looking for a big pay day or a change of scenery.

TRAINING CAMP ON THE HORIZON

After the player-acquisition portion of the offseason, the Kraken will take space in their new state-of-the-art facility in Northgate where training camp will take place in the early fall.

All in preparation for their inaugural season, which is tentatively scheduled for the middle of October.