Can the Kraken Hook the MacKinnon Express? Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken Prediction
Updated July 9, 2026
The Colorado Avalanche travel to Climate Pledge Arena looking to cement their status as the NHL's top team as they face a desperate Seattle Kraken squad fighting for a Western Conference Wild Card spot. The Avalanche have been the story of the 2026 trade deadline, making massive moves to load up for another Stanley Cup run. General Manager Chris MacFarland pulled off a blockbuster by bringing 2022 Stanley Cup hero Nazem Kadri back to Denver from the Calgary Flames, while also acquiring forward Nicolas Roy and defensemen Brett Kulak and Nick Blankenburg to bolster their unmatched depth. Despite missing captain Gabriel Landeskog (week-to-week with a lower-body injury) and Artturi Lehkonen, Colorado’s offense remains utterly dominant. Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in both goals and points, while Cale Makar continues to run away with the blue line scoring race. The Seattle Kraken return home looking to snap a three-game losing skid. Offensively, they rely on the steady production of Jared McCann and Matty Beniers, along with strong two-way defense from Vince Dunn. However, they face a tough task without veteran forward Jaden Schwartz, who is out indefinitely following a scary skate-to-the-face injury over the weekend. Follow our NHL page for more betting predictions on NHL.
Pick: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline (-155) ATS PRO Confidence: ★★★★★
Colorado's offense is firing on all cylinders. Even with Landeskog and Lehkonen sidelined, the recent trade deadline additions of Kadri and Roy have made their top-nine forward group incredibly dangerous. MacKinnon is having a Hart Trophy-caliber season, and their power play, quarterbacked by Makar, is lethal. Seattle has struggled to generate consistent offense during their recent slump. They have relied heavily on goaltender Joey Daccord to keep games close, but the absence of Schwartz removes a key piece of their top six. When the Avalanche establish their blistering pace, the Kraken may find it difficult to keep up for a full 60 minutes.
Colorado made a big splash on the 2026 trade deadline by re-acquiring Nazem Kadri. His return instantly solidifies their center depth and brings championship swagger to a team that already boasts the NHL's best record (42-10-9).
Seattle is clinging to hopes of securing the second Wild Card spot in the West. With teams like San Jose and Los Angeles breathing down their necks, the Kraken desperately need points, making every home game critical to keeping their playoff dreams alive.
The Avalanche are simply too deep and too fast right now. While the Kraken will be motivated by their Wild Card chase, Colorado’s deadline additions have made a powerhouse team even stronger. Seattle's recent three-game losing streak highlights their scoring struggles, which is a massive liability when facing MacKinnon, Makar, and Kadri. With Seattle missing Schwartz and struggling to find the back of the net consistently, expect Colorado to dictate the pace and possession. The best value in this matchup sits heavily with the Colorado Avalanche on the moneyline. ATS PRO
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