The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Hockey›Seattle Kraken
Sports • Hockey

Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken are a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle, Washington, that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Seattle Kraken are a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle, Washington, that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL). The franchise began play in the 2021–22 season as the league’s 32nd team and plays home games at Climate Pledge Arena.

Franchise history

The NHL approved Seattle as an expansion city in 2018 after a proposal from Seattle Hockey Partners. The Kraken were awarded an NHL expansion franchise by the league’s Board of Governors in December 2018. The team began play in the 2021–22 NHL season.

Name and identity

The name Kraken refers to a mythical sea creature from Scandinavian folklore and also echoes the giant Pacific octopus associated with the Puget Sound region. The team name originated from the kraken sea monster and the giant Pacific octopus. The logo and colors were introduced before the club’s inaugural season.

Arena and location

The Kraken play their home games at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The venue is located at Seattle Center and has been the team’s home since its first season.

On-ice record

The Kraken’s inaugural season was 2021–22, and the team has competed in the NHL’s Western Conference since joining the league. Seasonal standings and playoff results vary by year and are updated regularly by the NHL.

Key facts

  • The Kraken were awarded an NHL expansion franchise in December 2018.
  • They began play in the 2021–22 season as the 32nd team.
  • Home games are played at Climate Pledge Arena.
  • The team name references maritime imagery and the giant Pacific octopus.
  • They compete in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.
🍁
Canadian context

The Kraken compete in the NHL’s Western Conference, which includes several Canadian teams, so they are a regular opponent of Canadian NHL clubs.

Frequently asked questions

What league do the Seattle Kraken play in?
They play in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.
When were the Seattle Kraken founded?
The franchise was awarded in 2018, and the team began play in the 2021–22 season.
Where do the Seattle Kraken play home games?
They play at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.
Why are they called the Kraken?
The name refers to a legendary sea monster from Scandinavian folklore and fits Seattle’s maritime identity.
Are the Seattle Kraken Seattle’s first major hockey team?
No. Seattle previously had professional hockey teams, including the Seattle Metropolitans, who won the Stanley Cup in 1917.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/sports/Seattle-Kraken
    Supports: Team identity, NHL membership, location, expansion status, and name origin
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-nickname-for-nhl-expansion-team-317588092
    Supports: Team name reveal, branding, expansion history, logo and colors
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-thriving-on-fifth-anniversary-of-becoming-nhl-team
    Supports: Expansion award date, inaugural season, team history, and division context
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Kraken
    Supports: Basic team facts including league, division, city, arena, and first season
  5. Climate Pledge Arena — https://climatepledgearena.com/seattle-kraken/
    Supports: Home arena association and venue location