In a move that showcases the Seattle Kraken’s commitment to producing a team of high-performing players, goaltender Philipp Grubauer was placed on waivers and has now officially cleared. The veteran goaltender, who has struggled throughout the first half of the 2024-25 season, has been sent to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s AHL affiliate team. While this decision wasn’t entirely unexpected, it marks a significant turning point for both Grubauer and the Kraken organization as they look to improve through the second half of the season.
From Vezina Finalist to NHL Decline
It’s no secret that Grubauer’s performance during the first half of this season has been a central focal point amongst the hockey community, with many blaming him for the team currently sitting as the 28th team in the league. Once considered a key piece of the Kraken’s performance, the 33-year-old goaltender has failed to meet expectations. His declining performance has fallen far behind the standard set during his time with the Colorado Avalanche and Washington Capitals.
This season, Grubauer has posted a disappointing .866 save percentage and a 3.83 goals-against average in 21 games played. These statistics place him among the league’s bottom-tier goaltenders this season, and for a team that dreams of making it to playoffs, these numbers prove unsustainable.
One of Grubauer’s best seasons came during his time with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2020-21 season when he was a Vezina Trophy finalist with a .922 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average. However, since signing his six-year, $35.4 million deal with the Kraken, his performance has steadily declined, with no seasons above a .900 save percentage.
While the Kraken’s defensive system has not always been the most helpful, Grubauer has remained too inconsistent, allowing early goals and missing easy saves. The decision to place him on waivers shows that the Kraken can no longer afford to wait for Grubauer to rediscover the level he once played at.
A Fresh Start in Coachella Valley
While the decision didn’t come as a surprise, Seattle’s decision to place Grubauer on waivers with the intention of sending him to Coachella Valley wasn’t made lightly.
“We thought it was a good option to assign him to CV so he can play and get his game back to where we all know he’s been in the past,” said Head Coach Dan Bylsma when asked about the situation.
While Grubauer’s struggles were evident, this decision is also a reflection of the organization’s commitment to accountability and player improvement. It’s been made clear that this decision is not about giving up on Philipp Grubauer but giving him a chance to reset and rediscover his game without the pressures of playing in the NHL. While the Kraken hopes that Grubauer will return to the team, moving him to the AHL also opens the door to potential financial flexibility should the organization choose to explore the goaltending market.
“Every decision we make is about putting the team in the best position to succeed,” Bylsma told reporters. “This was a tough call, but we believe it’s the best step for Philipp and the Kraken as we move forward.
Joey Daccord’s Time to Shine
The Coachella Valley Firebirds have proven that they are a team dedicated to player development and competitive success over the last two seasons. This makes the Firebirds an ideal environment for Grubauer to regain his level of play and, hopefully, make a return to the NHL.
This transition also highlights the Kraken’s confidence in their second goaltender, Joey Daccord, who has proven himself to be a reliable option for the Kraken this season. Daccords steady play this season has been one of the saving factors for this failing team, with a stellar .917 save percentage combined with a calm and composed presence in the net. With Daccord as the Seattle Kraken’s primary goalie, they have found themselves with a more than capable goaltending option in the absence of Grubauer.
For Grubauer, the move to Coachella Valley gives him the space to recapture the form that once made him a Vezina Trophy finalist, including both the technical and mental aspects of the game. Over the past two seasons with the Kraken, Grubauer has displayed issues with positioning and rebound control, which has done more harm to the team than good.
While his future with the Kraken remains in the air, his time with the Firebirds could be the key to reigniting his career. For now, all eyes will be on both Grubauer’s response to the situation and Daccord’s impact on the Seattle Kraken, with both developments showcasing a franchise that is willing to make bold moves and remain competitive.
ITR 32: The Final Countdown – Inside The Rink
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