Grubauer Has Great Game, But Let's Be Clear: Daccord Is Still 'The Man' In Net For Kraken

The Seattle Kraken beat the New York Rangers Sunday afternoon in Manhattan, and while veteran goalie Philipp Grubauer was a key reason why the Kraken beat the Blueshirts, don't think for a minute that starting netminder Joey Daccord has lost his No. 1 job between the pipes.

Daccord didn't play against the Rangers because he was ill, and while Grubauer turned aside 32 of 37 Rangers shots in the win, Grubauer won only his second game of the season, illustrating his problems being a consistent difference-maker this year. Meanwhile, Daccord's individual numbers this season -- including a 12-6-1 record, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.50 goals-against average in 19 appearances -- give Kraken coach Dan Bylsma all kinds of reasons to keep Daccord playing the majority of games for Seattle this season.

Daccord's salary rises from $1.2 million this season (all financial data via Puck Pedia) to $5-million for the next five seasons. And although Grubauer is also locked up for the next two seasons at $5.9 million per season, we're expecting Kraken GM Ron Francis to buy out Grubauer's contract and free up approximately $3.91-million in salary cap space next season. In a buyout, Grubauer's remaining contract would be spread out over the next four seasons, and though there would be a cap bump of $2.81-million in the 2026-27 season, the number would drop once again to $1.68-million in the final two seasons of the buyout.

That savings makes it well worth Seattle's time to buy out Grubauer's deal. The Kraken don't need to spend $10.9 million on their goaltending. They can find a reasonable replacement to back up Daccord, and not spend more than $1-2-million on an understudy for him. But Daccord has shown enough as a starter to invest time and money in him.

Grubauer has to get through this season before he's bought out, so Seattle still needs him to battle through the current year and help the Kraken get into the playoffs. But if Daccord falters -- and we're not saying he will -- Seattle will almost assuredly miss out on the post-season. They have to have Daccord do most of the heavy lifting in net, and he's shown himself to be capable of doing that.

Related: Joey Daccord's Extension Comes With Risk But Is A Sign Of Trust From The Kraken

Grubauer's contract hasn't worked out the way Seattle had hoped when they signed him to the contract back in 2021. Grubauer has become one of the highest-paid netminders in the NHL, but that won't last for long. The Kraken have given the reins to Daccord, and after this season ends, Grubauer will be a distant memory for Seattle fans and management.