Injuries disrupt things in professional sports more than any other variable. Just ask Chris Driedger, whose future with the Seattle Kraken was altered massively 14 months ago. They come with near-zero predictability and with a dramatic range in terms of severity. After an injury, recovery becomes a player’s number-one focus. The player hopes to rehabilitate and re-integrate themselves at the toughest level of play, both physically and mentally. That path depends on tons of variables; the player’s age, the type of injury, their injury history, their particular physical fitness, and so on. And sometimes, the player can’t quite reach their former level of play, a concern for all parties involved.
Driedger’s Uncertain Future with the Kraken
In Seattle, Driedger spent all of 2022-23 recovering from an ACL tear during the 2022 IHF World Championship. The tear came during the third period of Canada’s 4-3 overtime loss in the championship game. Nine months later, he played in his first professional action since the injury. The Kraken activated him from injured reserve and placed him with their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
In 14 games with the Firebirds, from February 27th through the end of the season in mid-April, Driedger appeared in 14 games. He went 9-4-1 with a .908 save percentage and 2.61 goals against average in that span. Driedger split duties with Joey Daccord, while Christopher Gibson dropped to third-string AHL duties.
However, once the postseason began, Daccord took over full-time as Coachella’s starter. That decision paid off too, as he led the team to the Calder Cup Final, losing in game seven overtime. This became a major step forward for Daccord, but didn’t help Driedger much in his path back to the NHL.
Goaltending in Seattle
On Seattle’s depth chart today, both Driedger and Daccord appear at the NHL level. Obviously, they aren’t alone there either; Philipp Grubauer still has four years remaining on his contract. These three represent the same goalies the Kraken drafted in their Expansion Draft two summers ago, too. While he factored into the Kraken’s future then, Driedger might not be part of the long-term plans anymore.
Grubauer played his best hockey as a Kraken during their playoff run, creating hope that he could carry momentum into next season. Remember, Seattle hasn’t received consistent goaltending for any significant amount of time since they first joined the league. A return to form for Grubauer would catapult the team up the standings dramatically, and have them battling for the Pacific Division title next year.
Grubauer aside, Driedger and Daccord must still battle for that second goalie spot. Per CapFriendly, the team has under $1 million in cap space, so carrying three goalies seems unlikely. Earlier this summer, Driedger’s name flew around the rumour mill extensively too. Perhaps the Kraken don’t see a future with Driedger at this point. Moving the final year of his $3.5 million contract gives them the financial breathing room they need, too.
Goaltenders Behind Grubauer
Seattle must determine whether they want to put one of Driedger or Daccord in the minors next year, carry them both on the roster with Grubauer, or deal one elsewhere. Right away, remove the possibility of a Daccord trade from the table; Ron Francis signed him to a two-year deal on June 30th. The only way he isn’t on the NHL roster is if he’s buried in the AHL.
Driedger vs Daccord
And at this point, it feels like Daccord earned an opportunity at an extended role in the NHL. His stats last year with Coachella (26-8-3, .918% save percentage, 2.38 goals against average, and three shutouts) ranked better than the rest of their goaltenders, including Driedger. He played almost as many games in the AHL the year before, too. After his big playoff run this season, it looks like he has little room left to grow at that level.
Meanwhile, Driedger maybe receives some slack for his numbers since he hadn’t played in such a long time. He needs a quick start in camp this fall, to prove he can take back a job at the NHL level. Even then, the deck looks stacked against him. Daccord (26) is younger than Driedger (29). He also carries the smaller cap hit ($1.2 million, vs Driedger’s $3.5 million) and is signed for one year longer.
Driedger’s Future, with the Kraken or Elsewhere
Hearing that Seattle may already be shopping Driedger lines up with all the above. Driedger’s future with the Kraken hangs in the balance and depends largely on the next couple of months. Maybe they trade him out to create cap space and allow Driedger a fresh start. Or, maybe they hold until training camp to evaluate what they have. Neither feels like a bad plan for the Kraken. Again, this team hasn’t received tremendous goaltending to-date. Maybe going into the season with more options is the right move.
Whatever happens, though, Driedger fought long and hard to play pro sports again. ACL tears can devastate athletes and their careers. Driedger made it to the NHL by following an unconventional path and working his tail off. After years wading through the ECHL and AHL, he finally became an NHL regular at 27. His determination from that experience certainly helped him find the drive to fight back from this injury, and here’s hoping he carves out another NHL job this season, whether in Seattle or elsewhere.
Main Photo: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
