2 Upgrades Seattle Kraken Need In The New Year

The Seattle Kraken did not start out well this season, but they are fighting to get right back in the playoff race. The team has won four in a row and got points in 9 of the last 10 games. The Kraken aren't going to break the bank to do anything huge, but they may once again upgrade their lineup if they are in the race. Assuming they are, here's a look at what they need most.

1B Goalie

Upgrading the goaltending should be done sooner than later for the Kraken. Since Philipp Grubauer went down to injury, the team has been running Joey Daccord almost every game. He is fairly inexperienced even though he has done a solid job. There is no timetable for Grubauer's return to the Kraken and it could end up being longer than expected. With Chris Driedger just getting his first start in the NHL in two years and Daccord being overworked, there is cap space and room to upgrade here. The Kraken need it if they are to stay in the race and not be sunk by goaltending.

Top-6 Winger

The Kraken recently acquired Tomas Tatar, but if we're being honest, he isn't a top-six winger anymore. His point production just isn't there and can be easily slid down the lineup. The Kraken have been running some odd lines that include Tatar on the top line and Andre Burakovsky on the fourth line. On top of that, Brandon Tanev, who has not been helpful offensively this season, is on the second line. There is lots of room to improve without costing a ton to acquire help. The Kraken may look deep, but their forward depth hasn't performed up to standards.