In the latest edition of the Seattle Kraken news and rumors, we’ll cover several different topics, including Ryan Winterton’s leave of absence, Jared McCann’s injury, Oscar Fisker Molgaard’s call-up, and the Kraken’s first Global Series.
Winterton’s Leave of Absence
On Monday, March 23, the Kraken shared that forward Ryan Winterton will be away from the team to attend to a family matter. They didn’t share any details and asked that people respect his privacy at this moment.
On Wednesday, March 25, social media tributes came pouring out, sharing condolences for the loss of Jacob Winterton, Ryan’s brother. Jacob was 25 and passed away after his battle with cancer. Ryan shared a touching tribute on his Instagram, calling Jacob not only his brother, but his best friend.
Sending well wishes to the entire Winterton family as they endure this unimaginable loss.
McCann Still Out
Ahead of the Kraken’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 21, they announced Jared McCann would be out with a lower-body injury. He was out again when Seattle faced the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The extent of the injury is still unknown.
The Kraken are already down Jaden Schwartz, who is out indefinitely after taking a skate blade to the face against the Ottawa Senators on March 7. Two strong forwards out with injury for the Kraken is not something they want to be facing with the playoff race as close as it is. Hopefully, McCann’s injury is not too severe, and he can return to the Kraken lineup soon.
Molgaard Called Up, Nyman Sent Down
On March 25, the Kraken announced they have sent forward Jani Nyman down to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. In addition, they have recalled forward Oscar Fisker Molgaard from the Firebirds.
Nyman was recalled from the Firebirds earlier this month and only played two games. In total for the season, he has played 26 games and has recorded six points. He has already played 29 games with the Firebirds this season and has recorded 27 points. He has had plenty of success in the AHL, but his success has been limited in the NHL.
Molgaard received two previous call-ups this season, and he has played three games and recorded an assist in his first NHL game. This season with the Firebirds, he has played in 41 games and has recorded 32 points. He also represented Denmark in the 2026 Olympics, recording three points in four games. Molgaard deserves a chance to play in the NHL. Hopefully, this is the shot he gets to prove himself.
Kraken’s First Global Series
On March 23, the NHL announced the next location and two teams that will face off in the Global Series. In the 2026 Global Series, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Kraken will play two regular-season games in Finland.
Related: Hurricanes Returning to Finland for 2026 Global Series Against Kraken
One of the Kraken’s three Finnish players, Kaapo Kakko, commented on the excitement of this Global Series. He stated, “It’s my first time being able to go and play there, so it will be nice to play in front of my family and friends. Hockey is big over there; they love hockey over there. It can be hard to watch the NHL because of the time difference, but it is a big hockey culture. … I think they are going to love it.” Nyman and Eeli Tolvanen are the other two Finnish players on the team, and it’ll be a great homecoming for them as well.
This will mark the Kraken’s first time playing a regular-season game overseas, making them the 27th team in the league to do so. The NHL already announced that the Chicago Blackhawks and the Ottawa Senators will play two regular-season games in a Global Series in Germany. The NHL continues to expand its reach across the world.
Kraken Back on Thursday
The Kraken will continue their road trip when they stop in Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, March 26.
