For maybe the final time, I come to praise Philipp Grubauer, not to bury him.
It’s widely believed that the Seattle Kraken goalie is about to be buried – more accurately in hockey terms, bought out. Grubauer has two years remaining on a contract that pays him $5.9 million annually. During his four completed years, Grubauer has never posted a save percentage above .900. That’s far too much money for far too little performance.
Gee, it seems like I’m burying him now, too. So let’s get to the praising part. The goalie has at all times lived up to his nickname of “German Gentleman.” He’s been an ambassador for the franchise, a well-liked teammate, and didn’t complain when he lost his #1 netminder job or got sent down to the AHL.
If Grubauer’s time in Seattle has come to a close, he’ll be rightly remembered for his 2023 playoff performance. He shepherded the Kraken to a series victory over his old team – and the defending Cup champion – Colorado Avalanche, and within one win of a berth in the conference finals.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
I hope he’s also remembered for what would be his final Kraken appearance between the pipes, a 4-3 shootout victory Apr. 12 over playoff-bound St. Louis at Climate Pledge Arena. Not just because Grubauer carried a shutout into the 3rd period. Or because he allowed just two goals to the Blues in seven rounds of the shootout.
In this Kraken Reaction, learn why “Grubi’s” performance was more than solid. It was heroic.