The NHL has seen a dramatic shift in its landscape since the introduction of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. These two expansion teams, despite their relatively recent arrival in the league, have already had a lasting impact on how the NHL operates, both on and off the ice. From their unique roster-building strategies to their market influence, both teams have changed the way we think about expansion franchises.
As a longtime observer of the NHL’s evolution, it’s fascinating to see how these two teams have not only competed immediately but have also helped reshape the expectations for new franchises. Historically, expansion teams struggled to be competitive in their early years, but Vegas and Seattle have shown that success can come sooner than expected.
How Vegas Changed the Expansion Narrative
When the Vegas Golden Knights entered the NHL for the 2017-2018 season, they defied every expectation. Not only did they make the playoffs in their inaugural season, but they went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, shocking the hockey world. This immediate success was a game-changer, proving that expansion teams could compete right away if given the right structure and opportunity.
A new approach to roster construction
The success of Vegas can be attributed to several factors, but one of the key elements was the team’s expansion draft strategy. The Golden Knights didn’t just pick unprotected players — they carefully constructed a competitive roster by targeting players who were undervalued or underutilized by their previous teams. They also built a roster of veteran players who could contribute immediately, rather than focusing on youth development or slow rebuilding.
The Golden Knights’ general manager, George McPhee, and head coach, Gerard Gallant, managed to put together a team that played with structure, speed, and offensive firepower. Key players like William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, and Reilly Smith became household names almost overnight, helping Vegas rise above the typical struggles of an expansion team.
Creating a winning culture
Part of Vegas’ success was the establishment of a winning culture right from the beginning. The team didn’t just enter the league as a business venture; they were determined to compete. The Golden Knights’ ownership and management made it clear that the team was going to do everything possible to succeed — including taking a more aggressive approach to roster-building.
This mindset quickly resonated with the fanbase. Vegas became one of the most exciting teams in the league, with a dedicated fanbase that supported the team through thick and thin. The strong fan culture, combined with on-ice success, helped the franchise gain legitimacy almost immediately.
Seattle’s Arrival: A New Era for the Pacific Division
When Seattle was awarded the 32nd franchise in the NHL, it was clear that the league was ready for a new chapter. While the Kraken’s debut season didn’t mirror the instant success of Vegas, the franchise has already started to lay the foundation for long-term success.
Learning from Vegas
Seattle’s approach to expansion was heavily influenced by the success of the Golden Knights. While they didn’t have the same immediate success, the Kraken management took a page out of Vegas’ book by focusing on a balanced roster, prioritizing depth over star power in their expansion draft. Seattle’s roster was designed to compete in the long term rather than take big risks for short-term gains.
Their draft strategy, led by Ron Francis, was based on building from the back end and acquiring versatile players who could provide leadership and consistency. Seattle’s first draft class saw them pick up players like Jared McCann, Yanni Gourde, and Mark Giordano, all of whom played crucial roles in the Kraken’s lineup.
Fan engagement and market growth
Another area where Seattle has excelled is in fan engagement. The Kraken arrived at a time when the Pacific Northwest was hungry for hockey, and the fanbase quickly embraced the team. The addition of a new team in Seattle brought a fresh excitement to the region, and the organization has leaned into the city’s passionate sports culture, similar to how Vegas did with the entertainment-focused city.
The Kraken also benefited from an impressive home arena, the Climate Pledge Arena, which has become a hub for hockey fans and a modern marvel for its sustainability efforts. Seattle’s community involvement and outreach initiatives have helped solidify their place in the hearts of local fans.
The Kraken’s long-term potential
Though Seattle didn’t have the same immediate success as Vegas, their foundation is strong, and their future looks bright. The Kraken have already started to build a competitive team, and with Matty Beniers leading the charge as one of the NHL’s top young stars, Seattle’s upward trajectory is clear. Their patient approach to building the team, focusing on depth and development, is positioning them for future success.
The Changing Expansion Formula: What This Means for Future Teams
The impact of Vegas and Seattle’s expansion success has altered the way the NHL will view future expansion teams. The days of expecting a team to languish at the bottom of the standings for years are likely behind us. These new franchises have proven that with the right management, careful roster-building, and a focus on culture, expansion teams can compete right away.
Future expansion teams will likely adopt some of the strategies used by both the Golden Knights and Kraken, focusing on building depth, creating fan engagement, and positioning themselves as competitive teams from the get-go. The success of these teams also sends a message to other cities and regions that the NHL is committed to long-term growth and can help new teams integrate into the league quickly.
The expansion blueprint for success
What the NHL has learned from Vegas and Seattle is that expansion is no longer just about adding a team for the sake of revenue. It’s about creating an exciting, competitive team that can contribute to the league’s overall quality. As more cities and markets look to join the NHL, the bar has been set high. The next expansion teams will need to follow in the footsteps of Vegas and Seattle, learning from their successes and pitfalls along the way.
Final Thoughts
As the NHL continues to expand, both Vegas and Seattle’s influence on the league will only grow. Their unique approaches to roster building, fan engagement, and competitive strategies have changed the way expansion teams are viewed, and they’ve set a new precedent for what is possible in the modern NHL. The future of expansion is brighter than ever, and it’s exciting to think about how the next wave of NHL teams will look and how they’ll continue to shape the league.