Five First Goals, Five Kraken Futures

For some players, the first goal is a moment of relief after months of waiting. For others, it can be the beginning of something much bigger, offering a glimpse at the type of NHL player they can become.

For the Kraken, five of their most recent first goals have come from players who have taken on, or are expected to eventually, important roles within the organization. And whether it’s a veteran newcomer like Bobby McMann making an immediate impression, or young players such as Mackie Samoskevich, Berkly Catton, Ryan Winterton or Jacob Melanson carving out their place in Seattle, each first goal has told a different story.

Samoskevich brings speed and skill

Samoskevich’s first Kraken goal came just 4:40 into his home debut against the Calgary Flames and he’d add a second one later on. The first was a good representation of what Seattle was looking for when they acquired him from the Florida Panthers, speed and the ability to create offense. He was able to out-skate Kevin Bahl to a loose puck before finishing a breakaway, highlighting the skating ability that has been one of his biggest career strengths.

Seattle gave up a 2026 first-round draft pick and a conditional 2027 second-round pick for Samoskevich before signing him to a three-year, $11.55 million extension. The 2025 Stanley Cup champion is expected to take on a larger role with the Kraken after spending much of his time further down the depth chart with the Panthers.

“I like to make plays; I think our line is gelling well. Just playing the right way, winning games and playing my game,” said Samoskevich when asked what he’s looking to bring the team this season.

The day of the trade, Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said: “Mackie is a talented young player who we are excited to bring into the fold. He has speed, skill and scoring ability. A Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers in 2025, Mackie's a player who can contribute offensively and add a spark to our lineup."

Samoskevich’s first two goals offer a glimpse of the offensive spark the organization believes he can provide for years to come.

McMann makes an immediate impression

McMann scored his first Kraken goal in his first game with the team– and on his first shot – and finished with two goals and an assist in Seattle’s 5-2 win over Vancouver last March 14. He became the first player in Kraken history to score multiple goals in his Kraken debut.

He joined Ryan Donato, Jared McCann, Morgan Geekie, Daniel Sprong, Andre Burakovsky, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Eeli Tolvanen and Mason Marchment as players who had previously scored in their Kraken debut.

“It’s always nice to get the win, and when you can contribute, it makes it that much better,” McMann said after the game. “It almost resembles, in a way, your first game. You have an entirely new group, new organization, new fans. You want to make a good first impression.”

Fortunately, that first impression wasn’t a fluke. After arriving from Toronto, McMann went on to score 10 goals and add four assists in 18 games. He led the Kraken in goals, points and shots per game in that stretch, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most dangerous offensive players. His production and desire to stay in Seattle ultimately earned him a six-year, $34.5 million contract last June.

McMann’s first goal was a strong indication of what Seattle could expect from him: speed, physicality, a willingness to shoot and legitimate top six offensive production. Through three games this season, McMann already has two goals.

Catton finds his breakthrough

Catton entered the night of Jan. 6, 2026, having played 27 NHL games without finding the back of the net. The chances were there, including several high-danger opportunities, but the finishing touch had not yet arrived. Then, against the Bruins, it finally did– twice.

“That was a lot of relief off my shoulders,” Catton said afterward. “I’ve dreamed of this for a long time, so that was awesome.”

Catton finished his rookie season with seven goals and 10 assists in 66 games. But the expectation around the 2024 first rounder has always extended beyond just his first season. The 20-year-old has begun showing signs of the offensive growth Seattle believes is possible.  Catton scored the first goal of the Kraken’s 2026-27 home opener against Calgary on Oct. 4 before assisting on Shane Wright’s second period goal.

He has also continued to lean on veterans around him as he develops, including Jared McCann, who Catton has identified as a mentor throughout his time in the organization. In addition to McCann, he is living with both Beniers and Samoskevich this season and currently participating in what they have coined “Roommate Olympics.”

Melanson brings much more than goals

Melanson’s first goal came one night before Catton’s and the moment similarly carried plenty of meaning. His first goal was against the Flames last Jan. 5, with Winterton setting up the play.

“That’s something you dream of as a kid,” Melanson said. “Playing an NHL game is cool, but getting that first goal is unreal, and it came from Wints, so it means a lot.”

Melanson finished the 2025-26 season with just two goals and three assists in 36 games, but he registered a team-high 188 hits, the eighth most in a single season in franchise history. That physicality earned him a three-year contract with a $1.45 million average annual value over the summer. “He brought a lot of physicality and energy to our group last season, and we’re looking forward to seeing more from him these next few years,” Botterill said upon the deal being announced.

Melanson’s impact also became evident when paired with Ben Meyers and Winterton on Seattle’s fourth line. The trio developed into a responsible, fast, and physical unit capable of changing the game’s momentum.

Winterton keeps building

Winterton’s first Kraken goal came in his 34^th NHL appearance, this one against the Sharks last Nov. 5. Winterton spent significant time moving between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Kraken, continuing to work toward establishing himself as a full-time NHL player.

“It was a long time coming, so it felt good, and I’m glad it’s out of the way,” Winterton said. “I’m just trying to keep it going; that’s all you can really do in this situation.”

The goal itself was a good representation of the traits Seattle has valued in Winterton throughout his development. He used his speed to enter the offensive zone, helped sustain possession, and eventually found a loose puck in the slot before putting it into the net.

While the offensive production has taken time, Winterton’s defensive instincts, speed and penalty kill ability have helped him carve out a consistent Seattle role.

His connection with Melanson adds something else to his outlook. The two developed chemistry in Coachella Valley before carrying it over to Seattle, where they became part of a fourth line that could provide energy while also being trusted defensively.

As Seattle looks to continue developing their identity around a mix of established players and emerging young talent, what comes after those first Kraken goals could wind up far more important than the milestone moments themselves.