Philipp Grubauer Expected to Start for Kraken, Aiming to Reclaim Top Goalie Role

Philipp Grubauer is expected to start in goal for the Seattle Kraken on Thursday when they host the Winnipeg Jets, as he was the first goaltender off the ice at morning skate. Grubauer's 2023-24 season statistics stand at a 14-16-2 record with a 2.85 GAA and .899 save percentage. However, he played through an injury for much of that period, posting a 5-9-1 record with a 3.25 GAA and .884 save percentage in 17 games. After missing 24 contests with a suspected groin issue, Grubauer improved significantly, going 9-6-1 with a 2.51 GAA and .912 save percentage in 19 outings. He has a six-year, $5.9 million AAV contract with the Kraken. Historically, Grubauer had a strong 2020-21 campaign with career bests in wins (30), GAA (1.95), and shutouts (seven), finishing third in Vezina Trophy voting. His tenure with the Kraken began in 2021-22, where he played 55 games with a 3.16 GAA and .889 save percentage. He also played for the Colorado Avalanche, where he posted an 18-9-5 record with a 2.64 GAA and .917 save percentage in 2018-19, and previously with the Washington Capitals, where he had a 2.35 GAA and .923 save percentage in 2017-18.