Jared McCann Franchise All-Time Leading Scorer

Lore & Background

McCann's ascent to the top of the all-time list is marked by his ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes moments that defined early Kraken seasons. Whether it was scoring the goal that sent the team to the playoffs or setting up a game-winning strike, he became synonymous with clutch performance. His legacy is built not just on numbers, but on the intangible belief he instilled in the fanbase that Seattle could compete with the league's established powers.

In Their Own Story

The arena hums with a nervous energy as the clock winds down in the third period. McCann circles the blue line, eyes locked on the crease, his stick an extension of his will. He receives a pass, pivots with that signature quickness, and fires a wrist shot that beats the goalie glove-side. The crowd erupts, not just for the goal, but because they know this is another step in a historic climb. In that moment, the Kraken's future feels as bright as the floodlights reflecting off his jersey.

Reader's Guide

Jared McCann holds the record for most career points in Seattle Kraken history, a testament to his durability and offensive output since the team's inception. He also leads the franchise in both all-time goals and assists, marking him as the complete offensive package the organization needed early on. His path to becoming the leading scorer was paved during the 2021-2022 season when he helped guide the expansion team to its first-ever playoff berth. Since then, he has consistently topped the team in scoring categories year after year, extending his lead over other notable contributors like Jaden Schwartz and Oliver Bjorkstrand. McCann's records are particularly impressive given the competitive nature of the NHL and the challenges faced by a new franchise. His ability to maintain high production while evolving into a leadership role has solidified his place as the most significant offensive figure in Kraken history.

Did You Know?

• Jared McCann was the first player to reach 100 points for the Seattle Kraken, achieving the milestone during the 2023-24 season.
• At the time of his ascension as top scorer, he did not hold the franchise record for most game-winning goals.
• McCann is one of the few players to have been with the Kraken since day one while remaining a core offensive leader.

Franchise Origins and Expansion Journey

The path to bringing professional ice hockey back to Seattle was long and fraught with uncertainty before the Seattle Kraken finally arrived. While the city boasted a rich history dating back to the Stanley Cup-winning Seattle Metropolitans of 1917, decades passed without an NHL presence. Speculation intensified in the early 2010s regarding potential relocation deals or new arena projects, including a dramatic contingency plan involving the Phoenix Coyotes that ultimately fell through when Glendale retained their team. However, local enthusiasm remained palpable, with studies indicating Seattle possessed the largest fanbase among U.S. markets lacking an NHL franchise. This momentum culminated in 2017 when the city approved arena renovations and the league set a $650 million expansion fee. By December 2018, the NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the new team, paving the way for the Kraken to officially become the league's 32nd franchise after paying the final installment in April 2021.

Building the Roster and Early Identity

Once established, the organization moved swiftly to construct a competitive identity under General Manager Ron Francis, who prioritized speed, character, and competitiveness. The team launched its operations by hiring Dave Hakstol as the inaugural head coach and securing key unrestricted free agents like Adam Larsson and Jamie Oleksiak before the expansion draft. A historic three-day exclusive signing period allowed them to lock in talent ahead of other clubs, setting a strong foundation for their unique draft held at Gas Works Park. The Kraken further bolstered their future by selecting Matty Beniers second overall in the entry draft, recognizing his exceptional scoring ability as an NCAA player. As free agency opened fully, they added veterans such as Alexander Wennberg and Jaden Schwartz to balance the roster. Mark Giordano was named the first captain, leading a leadership group that included Larsson, Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde, and Schwartz, establishing a culture of accountability before their inaugural game against Vegas.

The Historic Playoff Breakthrough

After a challenging debut season where they finished last in their division with just 60 points, the Kraken achieved a remarkable turnaround during their second year. The team surged to 100 points and secured a Wild Card spot, marking a significant step forward for an expansion franchise. Their true breakthrough occurred in the playoffs when they faced the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche. In a stunning upset that captured national attention, Seattle defeated the Avalanche in seven games, becoming the first-ever expansion team to win their initial playoff series against the reigning champion. Although their run ended in the second round against the Dallas Stars, this victory validated the franchise's rapid growth and competitive potential. This success stood in stark contrast to their subsequent seasons, where they missed the playoffs entirely in 2023–24 and regressed further in 2024–25, highlighting the volatility of maintaining high-level performance.

Organizational Turmoil and Leadership Changes

Following a disappointing 2023–24 campaign that saw the team score only 81 points and miss the postseason, the franchise initiated significant leadership changes. Head coach Dave Hakstol was dismissed and replaced by Dan Bylsma in an attempt to revitalize the squad's direction. However, the 2024–25 season proved even more difficult as the Kraken regressed to just 76 points, prompting another major shakeup at the helm. Bylsma was let go after the season, and Lane Lambert was hired as the new head coach. Simultaneously, General Manager Ron Francis transitioned to a role as president of hockey operations, while Jason Botterill took over as general manager. Despite these strategic shifts aimed at correcting course, the team continued to struggle in the 2025–26 season, finishing with only 79 points and missing the playoffs again, leaving the organization in a period of intense evaluation regarding their long-term trajectory.