As the NHL playoffs approach, the Seattle Kraken are touted as a dark horse contender for the Stanley Cup. However, a closer examination reveals a concerning lack of high-end talent on their roster, which may hinder their chances of making a deep run in the postseason. With a strong foundation of depth players and a solid goaltender in Martin Jones, the Kraken have built a well-rounded team, but their inability to land a marquee free agent or make a significant trade has left them vulnerable to top-heavy opponents. Can Seattle's gritty, team-first approach be enough to propel them to the Cup, or will they fall short against more star-studded teams?

Kraken Stanley Cup contender checklist: Lack of high-end talent means tough road ahead  The New York Times