The Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames kick off their preseason schedules against each other on Oct. 1 in Calgary, with both Pacific Division clubs looking to build momentum after quiet offseasons.
The Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames open their preseason schedules against each other on October 1 at Scotiabank Saddledome, with both Pacific Division teams looking to establish early footing. The Kraken enter sixth in the Pacific, the Flames seventh, and while no regular-season or preseason results are on the board yet, Calgary’s offseason overhaul — headlined by the signing of defenseman Simon Nemec — gives this exhibition matchup a storyline worth watching.
Seattle Kraken: Building Chemistry From a Mid-Pack Position
The Kraken finished last season sixth in the Pacific Division, a standing that leaves clear room for improvement. With no game data available for their most recent contest, the focus shifts entirely to how Seattle uses the preseason to develop line combinations and defensive pairings. Roster battles are front and center, as prospects compete for opening-night spots and the coaching staff evaluates which players fit best in their system. The Kraken’s offseason moves have been relatively quiet compared to Calgary’s, but the team’s internal competition could be the spark they need to climb the division standings.
Calgary Flames: New Faces, New Era Begins
The Flames are coming off a busy summer that reshaped their roster. The headline addition is defenseman Simon Nemec, who signed a five-year, $36.25 million deal on Monday — a major commitment to the blue line. However, Calgary also parted with two veterans: forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta were traded to the Minnesota Wild, leaving a void in grit, scoring, and steady defensive minutes. As the Flames sit seventh in the Pacific, they’ll rely on Nemec’s puck-moving ability and a fresh batch of camp hopefuls to replace that lost production. The preseason opener against Seattle is the first chance for fans to see the new-look squad in action.
Head-to-Head: Preseason Implications and X-Factors
While preseason results don’t count in the standings, they set the tone. For Seattle, the X-factor is chemistry: can new and returning players mesh quickly? For Calgary, it’s the integration of Nemec into the defensive core and finding a replacement for Coleman’s two-way presence. Both teams are in the middle of the Pacific pack, so early evaluation could influence regular-season decisions. Special teams and goaltending depth will be under the microscope, as coaches look for reliable options.
- Seattle’s prospect watch: Which young forwards earn extended looks?
- Calgary’s Nemec debut: How quickly does he adapt to the Flames’ system?
- Goaltending battle: Both teams will likely split time between the pipes.
- Physicality: With Coleman gone, Calgary needs someone to step up physically.
Prediction: A Tight, Low-Scoring Affair
Expect a cautious, competitive game as both teams shake off rust. Seattle’s roster continuity gives them a slight edge in familiarity, while Calgary’s new additions add intrigue but also uncertainty. Without any prior results to lean on, the safer bet is a one-goal game that could go either way. Look for the Kraken to edge out a 3-2 victory on the road, but don’t be surprised if the Flames’ home crowd helps them steal it late.
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