Kraken the Ice: Can Berkly Catton Elevate Game Entering Second NHL Season?
The Seattle Kraken face a pivotal offseason as top prospect Alexis Bernier signed his entry-level deal and rookie standout Berkly Catton looks to elevate his game. Can the franchise finally unlock the full potential of its young stars and transform player development woes into progress?
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks down Bernier’s arrival from the QMJHL and examines Catton’s growth after his rookie campaign, raising crucial questions about the organization’s talent pipeline. The episode also spotlights veteran Jaden Schwartz’s uncertain future as free agency nears, emphasizing Seattle’s pressing need for fresh scoring talent and a youth infusion. Get ready for insider analysis on roster challenges, draft positioning, and which pending free agents—like Jamie Oleksiak—could define the Kraken’s next chapter.
The Montlake Report: Big Weekend on Tap as Huskies Welcome 2027 Recruits for Visits
Washington Huskies football gears up for a pivotal recruiting stretch as elite recruits arrive for key campus visits. Can four-star quarterback Blake Roscopf and edge prospect Chaz Gray be the cornerstones of a top-15 class?
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe spotlights high-profile visitors, including wide receiver Dante Tyson and cornerback Jalen Hill, and breaks down which positions are still lacking—most notably on the offensive line. With the Big Ten season looming, the Huskies’ strategy to bulk up in the trenches comes to the forefront as linemen like Reis Russell and Jacoby Doyle headline upcoming visit weekends. The show details recent roster additions, such as Joseph Peco, and assesses how recruiting momentum under Coach Fisch could shape the program’s future. Will Washington maintain its stronghold on in-state talent and flip late commits as signing day approaches?
Kraken the Ice: How Can Seattle Execute ‘Prolific” Offseason?
The Seattle Kraken eye a “prolific offseason" with a new regime in charge after missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, but will bold words translate to pivotal on-ice upgrades?
On a new Kraken the Ice podcast, Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks down the Kraken’s ambitions, highlighting key offseason tasks like re-signing Bobby McMann and leveraging two first-round draft picks for maximum impact, potentially looking to acquire a proven scoring blue liner via trade. The discussion explores possibilities on defense and offense, including spotlighting prospects such as Chase Reid, Ethan Belchetz, and Dax Rudolph to bolster Seattle’s roster. Can management deliver meaningful roster changes, and will hard decisions - such as potentially moving Shane Wright - help reset the franchise’s direction?
Kraken the Ice: Examining Potential Seattle Targets With No. 7 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft
Failing to make the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, the Seattle Kraken once again find themselves doing some soul searching as the franchise tries to find a way to consistently contend this offseason.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee examines head coach Lane Lambert's role in the team's disappointing finish and why he deserves at least one more season to prove he can turn things around, dishes out end of year superlatives for Kraken standouts, as well as disappointments, and takes a close look at three potential targets for Seattle with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Montlake Report: Which Huskies' Running Backs Will Seize Opportunity in Wide Open Backfield?
The Washington Huskies face a backfield puzzle as Quaid Carr, Jayden Limar, Trey Cooley, and Jordan Washington jockey for carries under head coach Jedd Fisch’s historically committee-style approach. Can any of these running backs break through, or will health and spring performances keep the depth chart in flux? As Jonah Coleman heads to the NFL and Adam Mohammad joins Cal, competition heats up—especially with wild cards like Brian Bonner Jr. and Ansu Sanoe waiting for their shot.
On a new “The Montlake Report” podcast, Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe breaks down what's at stake for Husky football, analyzing projected carries, injury uncertainties, and the role of each ball carrier for UW. He explores Fisch’s history of spreading opportunities, shares insider updates on Jordan Washington’s recovery, and weighs the potential impact of new transfers. One question drives the conversation: Will any running back emerge as a true difference-maker in Seattle this fall?
Kraken the Ice: Seattle Nipped By NHL Lottery Curse… Again
Once again getting the short side of the lottery stick, the Kraken didn't get a top-five pick as hoped coming off a disappointing finish to the 2025-26 season that ended without a playoff berth.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee examines Seattle's latest misfortune landing on the wrong side of the lottery ticket, takes a first look at possible targets the Kraken may consider with the first of two first round selections, and breaks down the upcoming offseason NHL calendar and how it pertains to Seattle.
The Montlake Report: Zach Albright Goes From Dream to Dawg Committing to Huskies
Staying in state as one of the top recruits in Washington, rising tight end Zach Albright officially committed to the Huskies as part of their impressive 2027 recruiting class.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe chats with Albright to discuss his decision to join UW, his goals to become an impact player for Jedd Fisch's squad, how relationships mattered more than other factors in his recruiting process, and much more!
Kraken the Ice: Seattle Ends Disappointing Season With a Thud, What Now?
After being eliminated from the playoffs with a week to play, the Kraken closed out their season without much of a whimper with losses to the Golden Knights and Avalanche, capping off a disastrous post-Olympics finish.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee reads Seattle's eulogy after an up-and-down season, diving into the obvious low points while also revisiting a few positives that developed in the 2025-26 season, and takes a look at where Seattle must go this offseason to revive a possible contender or completely clean house.
Kraken the Ice: Have Kraken Become Calamari After Latest Deflating Loss to Mammoth?
While they still haven't been eliminated from playoff competition, the Kraken's chances continue to plummet by day as they suffered another devasting loss to the Mammoth.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee offers up an unofficial obituary to Seattle's playoff chances after the latest defeat, explains why the time is now to extend Bobby McMann as he continues to score points in bunches, and breaks down what fans should be watching for the remainder of the season with the playoffs being a long shot.
The Montlake Report: Biggest Storylines for the Huskies Heading Into Spring Football
Looking to improve on last year's 9-4 season, the Washington Huskies will open spring football on Tuesday, March 31. What are some of the biggest storylines heading into spring ball?
We also wrap up the end of the UW women's and men's basketball seasons.
The Montlake Report: Huskies’ 2027 Recruiting Class Showing Promise
While it's early, Jedd Fisch and his Washington Huskies football staff are making strong connections with top 2027 recruits.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe breaks down why a promising class appears to be taking shape for Fisch and company, as well as UW's new deal with Alaska Airlines and weighing star basketball player Hannes Steinbach's future with a leap to the NBA potentially in sight.
Kraken the Ice: How Can Bobby McMann Help Struggling Seattle Squad?
Dropping a fourth straight game, the Kraken once again were undone by what coach Lane Lambert called "mind-boggling" errors in a 5-1 loss to the Avalanche.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee dives deep into Seattle's ongoing struggles since returning from the Olympic break, examines how Bobby McMann can help the Kraken right the ship when he finally get his irrigation paperwork cleared, and takes a look at what's on deck as Seattle enters a crucial point in the schedule.
The Montlake Report: Several Washington Huskies Impress at NFL Scouting Combine
Taking their next steps towards being NFL players, Denzel Boston and several Washington Huskies teammates put their best foot forward auditioning at the annual combine in Indianapolis.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe dives into the performances from Boston, Ephesians Prysock, and other ex-Huskies who looked to bolster their draft stock this past week, discusses Detlef Schrempf's jersey retirement ceremony, and analyzes the continued struggles for the Huskies' men's basketball team heading towards the Big Ten tournament.
The Montlake Report: Could Huskies’ Road Win at Rutgers Start Late Season Run in Big Ten?
While the NCAA tournament remains unlikely, if near impossible at this point, the Huskies did themselves a major favor by winning at Rutgers on Tuesday, jumping into a bye slot for the Big Ten tournament.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe breaks down how Washington held off a late Rutgers rally to pick up a much-needed road win, why building positive momentum for next season should be the top priority for Danny Sprinkle given all the injuries that have derailed the team in 2025-26, and takes a look at Jedd Fisch's 2027 recruiting class on the gridiron, examining which incoming prospects have a chance to be game changers for UW in the future.
True to the Blue: Early Signs Positive for Mariners Slugger Julio Rodriguez in Spring Training?
Already a multi-time All-Star, Julio Rodriguez has been a face of the franchise for the Mariners since his arrival as a top prospect. But he's still yet to put together a complete season.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Callaghan Bluechel breaks down early indicators from spring training that could be positive signs for Rodriguez overcoming his prior early season struggles, examines the swings of prospects Michael Arroyo and Jonny Farmelo from four spring training games thus far, and checks out several other prospects and veteran newcomers from the first week of Cactus League action.
Kraken the Ice: Would Trading Shane Wright Be Right Deadline Move for Seattle?
Closing in on their return to action as the Winter Olympic break nears a conclusion, the Kraken could have a massive decision on their hands regarding the future of Shane Wright.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks down why Seattle may have interest in moving Wright for the right price, shares his thoughts on what that right price would have to look like in terms of compensation to finalize a deal before the deadline, and recaps the latest exploits by Kraken players on the Olympic ice in Milan.
The Montlake Report: Why Did Huskies Part Ways With Jimmie Dougherty So Late in Offseason?
In a rare mid-February coaching change, the Washington Huskies announced they had reached a mutual split with offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe discusses the surprising move, examining why Washington may have made such an abrupt decision this late in the offseason and where Jedd Fisch may turn to now fill a big hole on his coaching staff.
The Montlake Report: Breaking Down Huskies' 2026 Combine Invites, NFL Potential
Coming off a solid second season under coach Jedd Fisch, the Washington Huskies will be well-represented at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe dives into Washington's latest crop of invites who will participate in the combine, which ones have the best chance for success at the next level, and which non-combine invites could surprise and get a shot in the NFL.
Kraken the Ice: Who Should Seattle Target at Looming NHL Trade Deadline?
In the midst of a winter break for the 2026 Olympics, the Kraken may be doing extensive work behind the scenes trying to find upgrades to aid their playoff push once they return to action later this month.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee shares his thoughts on several players who could make sense for Seattle to target before the upcoming deadline, including a former No. 1 overall pick to add star power to the roster for the second half, and recaps how several Kraken players have fared so far in Olympic competition.
The Montlake Report: R.I.P. to Huskies' NCAA Hopes With Ugly Home Loss to Penn State
Continuing to slide down the Big Ten standings and disappoint after entering the season with high expectations, the Washington Huskies suffered a dreadful home loss to the lowly Penn State Nittany Lions on Wednesday, all but destroying any slim hopes of competing for an NCAA Tournament spot.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe examines UW's latest deflating defeat, discusses how much blame should fall on coach Danny Sprinkle and how much belongs to the players themselves, and dives into rotational question marks that continue to perplex with the Huskies' lineup.
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