Bobby McMann made an impressive debut for the Seattle Kraken, contributing two goals and an assist in a decisive 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on March 16, 2024. This win marked the end of a four-game losing streak for the Kraken and brought them within a point of securing the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.
McMann, who was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, faced a delay in joining the team due to a visa issue, which was resolved just a day before the game. His performance was complemented by strong contributions from his linemates, as Matty Beniers recorded one goal and two assists, while Jordan Eberle provided three assists.
The Kraken established their dominance early in the match. McMann scored his first goal during a power play at the end of the first period, setting the tone for the game. He followed up with a second goal early in the third period, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Other notable contributions came from Jared McCann and Jamie Oleksiak, who also found the back of the net, while Brandon Montour added two assists.
In goal, Philipp Grubauer was instrumental in the Kraken’s success, stopping 32 shots from the Canucks. The Vancouver team, struggling this season and currently at the bottom of the NHL standings, managed to score through Evander Kane and Marco Rossi, but their efforts fell short against the energized Kraken squad. Canucks’ goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 28 saves during the match.
Looking ahead, the Kraken will host the Florida Panthers on March 17, while the Canucks will also face the Panthers on March 19, continuing their eight-game homestand.
McMann’s acquisition came at a cost, with the Kraken sending a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional second-round selection in 2027 to Toronto. His debut performance suggests that Seattle may have made a savvy move to bolster their offensive lineup as they push for a playoff spot.
