With Philipp Grubauer out of motion, Martin Jones will become the Seattle Kraken’s top rated goalie. Jones has always finished his very best function on the West Coast.
When the Seattle Kraken signed Martin Jones on the to start with working day of no cost company, quite a few supporters had been still left scratching their heads. Why would Ron Francis sign yet another NHL goaltender? Particularly just one that has been enjoying perfectly down below common the earlier couple of several years. Many variables went into the decision.
Driedger Damage
Chris Driedger was eventually discovering his form in the offseason. He stole the crease for Staff Canada in the Planet Championships and led them to the Gold Medal match.
In the third period of time, Driedger created an uncomfortable help save. Subsequent point, he’s lying on his back again in excruciating pain. Driedger tore his proper ACL and right away underwent surgery.
His recovery time was slated to be 8 months the soonest Driedger could reasonably return to the Seattle Kraken lineup would be January 2023. By that time, 50 % the year would be misplaced.
Dependent on his dreadful stats from the inaugural time, Francis couldn’t bank on Philipp Grubauer successful online games from the crease. Insert AHL goaltender Joey Daccord.
Joey Daccord
Numerous Seattle Kraken admirers instantly assumed the harm would final result in Joey Daccord getting his time to shine in the NHL. The only issue is that Joey Daccord is no for a longer time waiver-exempt.
What would Seattle do arrive January when Driedger returns? If the Kraken set Daccord on waivers mid-season, trying to return him to Coachella Valley, prospects are he would not crystal clear.
A different workforce could pick him up, and the Kraken get nothing in return. Francis was not about to gamble on that. Primarily if Daccord is Seattle’s goalie of the foreseeable future.
Offering him a complete period as a #1 goaltender in the AHL will assistance build his self confidence. Daccord’s time is coming – it just is not in this article nevertheless.
The only solution Francis experienced remaining was to go following a backup goalie in the offseason.
