34-year-old goalie Magnus Hellberg, a footnote in Seattle Kraken history, is a testament to the perseverance necessary to pursue pro hockey dreams.
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The former 2nd round pick of the Nashville Predators in 2011 just signed a free agent contract with Djurgardens IF in his home nation of Sweden.
On two occasions in 2022, the 6-6 netminder was property of the Kraken without ever playing for the organization. Seattle wanted to send him down to AHL Coachella Valley, but other teams kept claiming him on waivers.
Just after Thanksgiving, his Detroit locker stall contained gloves from his time in Ottawa, a travel bag from his time in Seattle, and a Red Wings baseball cap.
At the time, Hellberg told SnapShotsHockey.com, “Of course it’s not easy for (fiancee Emma) with all this movement from Seattle to Ottawa and back (to Seattle) and now here. So I’m so lucky she’s so supportive.”
His NHL resume includes 18 games with the Wings, three each with the Rangers and Penguins, and one each with the Predators and Senators. Other stops include Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Hartford, Grand Rapids, Charlotte, Austin, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and three different KHL teams in Russia and China.
“I’m stopping pucks when I get the chance, that’s what matters,” Hellberg said. “I’m ready for opportunity, I don’t really have anything to complain about. I’m going after what I wanted to go after and I’m happy.”
Grubauer Named To German Olympic Team
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Speaking of will-they-or-won’t-they be Kraken goalies, Philipp Grubauer now knows he’ll be on Team Germany for the 2026 Olympics. All dozen competing nations this week released the names of the first six players on their rosters. Among players currently with Seattle, Grubauer was the only one confirmed for Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
NHL players will be participating for the first time since 2014. Grubauer, who has played the last four seasons in Seattle, has been the subject of buyout speculation.
“It’s going to be unbelievable to have the chance to participate and represent Germany,” Grubauer said to NHLPA.com. “I have never done that at the Olympics, so it is very exciting to think about. I enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing for your country, being with the guys. The group is also tight because a lot of times, you played with those guys growing up and it makes all of it special.
“I always watched the Summer and Winter Olympics growing up. There wasn’t a lot of NHL hockey available, so the first hockey we saw was in the Olympics.”
A Scorer And A Gentleman
Kraken players, coaches, and front office have all dropped not-so-subtle hints that they expect junior scoring sensation Berkly Catton to begin the new season in Seattle.
If so, they’ll be getting not just a prolific scoring center, but a teen chosen as Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year. Catton amassed 109 points for the Spokane Chiefs but just 30 penalty minutes.
“I’m a big believer in playing between the whistles,” said the Kraken’s 2024 1st round draft pick, 8th overall. “When the puck drops, play the game as hard as you can. When you are playing the right way and moving your feet, (infractions) kind of get eliminated. I’m not a big believer in bickering at the refs or other players. I’m obviously not scared to take a penalty.”
Catton scored 38 goals and 71 assists for the Chiefs last season, adding an astounding 11 and 31 in 20 postseason games. Because he’s 19, NHL rules prohibit Catton from playing next season in the AHL. He’ll either stick with the Kraken, or spend another WHL season with the Chiefs.