Seattle Kraken Officially Place $35 Million Star On Waivers
Philipp Grubauer has underperformed during his time with the Seattle Kraken, and after a career worst season, they're now ready to move on from him as the team turn to Joey Daccord as the clear No. 1 starter moving forward.
The Seattle Kraken have one of the brightest young goaltenders in the entire NHL in Joey Daccord, and after taking over the starting role, they're now moving on from his very expensive backup.
Three years ago, the team landed Philipp Grubauer in a shock free agent deal that paid him $35.4 million over six years, and now, after struggling for years, they've officially placed him on waivers.
The 33-year old thrived in Colorado as the team were chasing a Stanley Cup, but since landing in Seattle he has struggled mightily, posting an .890 save percentage and a 3.10 GAA through 151 appearances.
2024/25 has been a particularly bad year however, as he has posted a career low .866 save percentage in 21 games, with the team hoping he passes through waivers and gets back to the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds, as there's still great talent there.
While he still has plenty of experience with 364 appearances under his belt, Grubauer is unlikely to be claimed on waivers, as he still has two years remaining on his current deal with a $5.9 million cap hit over those seasons.
Once upon a time, the shocking deal that saw the Kraken land Grubauer had many confident this team could become a genuine Stanley Cup contender, but ultimately, he simply hasn't been the goaltender that they expected, with many fans and media in Seattle waiting for the next two years to go by so they can get his salary cap hit off the board.
