NHL 22 introduces the Seattle Kraken to the game this year for the very first time, and it's an exciting step for the brand new franchise.
With the release date just around the corner, we're taking a look at the NHL 22 Seattle Kraken and what kinds of Team Rating, top player, and X Factors you can expect.
NHL 22: Seattle Kraken Team Rating Prediction
Without any other team ratings having rolled in, it's incredibly difficult to know where the Seattle Kraken will land as the ratings shake out.
Last year we didn't see overall ratings, but instead each team had a Goaltending Rating, Defense Rating, and Offense Rating.
Goaltending ranged from 77 to 90, Defense ranged from 81 to 90, and Offense ranged from 81 to 92 with all the various NHL teams in mind.
With the expansion draft giving them access to a handful of the league's top players, chances are the NHL 22 Seattle Kraken will be above average this year.
They're already being seen as legit playoff contenders, but the uncertainty will pull them down, leaving most of the Seattle Kraken Team Ratings likely in the mid 80s when the dust settles as they've got decent players across the roster.
Best Players on the Seattle Kraken Roster
Even before having seen a Seattle Kraken game take place, we know there are six players who really stand out from the pack on their roster.
At goalie, Chris Driedger was a huge focus for the team, and the Seattle Kraken shelled out the money to make sure they got him.
Mark Giordano is a defensive stalwart and likely will take on a leadership position as the most experienced and oldest member of the team.
Jamie Oleksiak, Yanni Gourde, Jordan Eberle, and Mason Appleton are also part of the core unit that should be a staple of the Seattle Kraken right out of the gate.
These may end up being the highest rated players on the NHL 22 Seattle Kraken roster.
Seattle Kraken X Factors
One of the most exciting additions this year is Superstar X Factors, and of course each team's fanbase is clamoring to see which of their players got an X Factor Ability.
Unfortunately there's bad news for Kraken fans, as none of the Seattle Kraken players made the cut as one of the elite 50 to receive a Superstar X Factor Ability.
They aren't alone there, as the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and San Jose Sharks also didn't get an X Factor for any of their players.
Looking forward, the most likely player to receive a Superstar X Factor for the Seattle Kraken is Jamie Oleksiak, who has playoff experience and took the top Strength rating in NHL 22.