Kraken Defenseman To Return To The Lineup After 20-Game Absence

julian gaudio

Sat, Nov 30, 2024, 9:04 p.m.·2 min read

The Seattle Kraken blue line will get a boost after allowing eight goals to the San Jose Sharks with the return of their highest-paid player, Vince Dunn.

29 is back. pic.twitter.com/5hoPVuPmev
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) December 1, 2024

Dunn has been out of the lineup since Oct. 17 when he suffered a mid-body injury. He played just four games before suffering the injury scoring a goal and three points.

His 20-game absence has been felt strongly. His ability to add offence from the backend and move the puck plays a critical role to the Kraken's success. With his return, the Kraken are hoping to get on a roll and string together consecutive wins. The Kraken are 11-12-1 and are beginning to fall farther from the playoffs. If they can't figure things out they'll be too far gone to make to make the postseason.

Dunn will slot next to his long-time defence partner Adam Larsson. Larsson had been skating alongside Ryker Evans during Dunn's absence. Evans will now partner with Brandon Montour, giving the Kraken an offence-first defence pairing that will make things difficult for the Sharks defensively.

Dan Bylsma says Vince Dunn is in, paired again with Adam Larsson.

Mitchell Stephens in for his #SeaKraken debut. Chandler Stephenson is out due to illness.
— Mike Benton (@Benton_Mike) December 1, 2024

Dunn's activation off of the LTIR meant the Kraken placed Jordan Eberle on it. This allows them to be cap-compliant and have Ryan Winterton and Mitchell Stephens up with the NHL club.

Stephens will make his Kraken debut tonight replacing Chandler Stephenson who will be out due to an illness. Stephenson recorded a goal and an assist against the Sharks on Friday but is too ill to get into tonight's game.

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