Kate Shefte

As the Seattle Kraken double down on youth, their investment in 19-year-old prospect Jake O'Brien stands out. And O'Brien could be the team's first beneficiary of an NHL rule change this season.

As they attempt to sort out where the struggling franchise is heading, the Kraken are doubling down ...

As they attempt to sort out where the struggling franchise is heading, the Kraken are doubling down on their youth.

Dominique Malonga logged a game-high 22 points for the Storm, who dropped their second straight game, 77-72 against the visiting Portland Fire.

Dominique Malonga had a game-high 22 points, but the Storm lost to the Portland Fire 77-72 and fell to 0-12 against Western Conference foes.

It's the slowest time of year in the NHL, and the Kraken have yet again failed to make a big splash in free agency. Are there any moves left?

It's the slowest time of year in the NHL, and the Kraken have yet again failed to make a big splash in free agency. Are there any moves left?

This is the slowest time of the year for the NHL. The rush of league transactions the week of July 1 gave way to a steady trickle of news, which has now all but stopped. That isn't unusual.

The Kraken's first 84-game schedule was released, and the team will start its season on Oct. 1 in Calgary.

The Kraken's first 84-game regular season schedule was released Thursday morning.