The Seattle Kraken will host the Vancouver Canucks in their home opener Oct. 23, the team announced during Wednesday's expansion draft.
The matchup will give Pacific Northwest hockey fans the first taste of what should be an exciting rivalry. And as COVID-19 restrictions start to lift, expect fans from both sides of the border to pack Climate Pledge Arena.
The Kraken selected 30 players, one from each team except the Vegas Golden Knights, in Wednesday's expansion draft. The team also holds the No. 2 pick in Friday's NHL Draft and is expected to be busy in free agency, which should help them ice a competitive team right off the jump.
The NHL will announce the complete 2021-22 season schedule Thursday night.