Seattle Kraken News & Rumors: Murray, Nyman, McMann, and More – The Hockey Writers – Seattle Kraken

In the latest edition of the Seattle Kraken news and rumors, let’s cover Matt Murray’s return from injury, Jani Nyman receiving a call-up to the NHL, and more. 

Murray Off IR

In a piece of news from last week that went under the radar, the Kraken activated goaltender Matt Murray from injured reserve (IR). Murray has not played for the Kraken since Nov. 15, when he was in the net against the San Jose Sharks. He exited the first period with an injury, and Philipp Grubauer did a great job relieving him, stopping all 19 shots the Sharks took once he entered the crease. 

Related: Seattle Kraken Should Carry 3 Goalies on Their Roster

Murray only played five games with the Kraken before his injury and started three. He posted a save percentage (SV%) of .922, the highest of the three Kraken goaltenders right now. 

Murray signed with Seattle during the 2025 offseason. After getting poor goaltending last season, the Kraken decided it was best to carry three goaltenders to make sure they are giving their players ample time to rest. Unfortunately, Murray’s injury threw a wrench into that plan early on in the season. Although he has been back for a week, Murray has yet to play; hopefully he gets a chance to on the road trip. 

Nyman Recalled From Firebirds

Ahead of their road trip, the Kraken announced they recalled forward Jani Nyman from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The team recently announced Jaden Schwartz will be out indefinitely with an upper-body injury. Before their last game on Tuesday, the team announced Eeli Tolvanen was out of the lineup due to an upper-body injury. 

Sound of Hockey also reported that Jared McCann did not take a shift in the last 11 minutes of the Kraken’s game Tuesday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hopefully, he is okay and this was not the reason for Nyman’s call-up. 

Nyman played in 24 games with the Kraken this season and recorded six points. He was sent down to the Firebirds and has since played 29 games and recorded 27 points. He has sharpened his offensive prowess in the AHL and will look to continue that in the NHL. He was a great addition to the Kraken’s bottom six when he was with the team; hopefully, he gets a chance to show the Kraken his skills again on this road trip. 

McMann Is On Fire

The 2026 Trade Deadline was March 6, and the Kraken made a last-minute trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, sending a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Toronto in exchange for forward Bobby McMann. Seattle had to wait a full week before McMann could play with the team due to immigration issues. When he finally got to play in his first game on March 14, it was like the Kraken found their missing piece. 

In his debut in Kraken colors, McMann scored two goals and recorded an assist to lead the Kraken to a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Against the Florida Panthers in their next game, McMann scored a goal and recorded an assist. The latter was his home debut, and Seattle welcomed him with open arms as the Kraken defeated the Panthers 6-2. He scored again against the Lightning on Tuesday, but this was his first loss with the Kraken. 

In three games since the trade, McMann has four goals and six points. The Kraken wanted to add someone who would contribute offensively, and he has definitely delivered thus far. There is added pressure on McMann now, especially after seeing what he can do on the ice. He has been great so far and hopefully he can keep it up. 

Kraken Kick Off a Six-Game Road Trip 

Starting March 19, the Kraken will play their last six games of March on the road. This is a huge stretch of games, because it could determine whether they make the playoffs. They are currently in the second wild-card spot with 71 points. The Los Angeles Kings are hot on their heels with the same number of points, and the Sharks are close behind them with 70 points. 

The Kraken begin off the road trip against the Nashville Predators, who are right below the Sharks with 69 points. The Western Conference is about to become a bloodbath, with all the teams fighting to make it to the postseason. Seattle has to win this game to keep their playoff spot alive and make sure the Predators don’t jump up in the standings.