Chris Driedger Seattle Kraken Autographed 2021-22 Inaugural Season Official Game Puck - Signed Rubber from the Kraken's First Starting Goalie
A Piece of History From Between the Pipes
Hey collectors! There are autographed pucks that mark moments, and then there are autographed pucks that mark entire eras. This Chris Driedger 2021-22 Inaugural Season Official Game Puck is firmly in the second category. When the Seattle Kraken hit the ice for the very first time as an NHL franchise, Driedger was the man in goal. His signature on this official game puck connects you directly to the beginning of hockey history in the Pacific Northwest.
The Man Seattle Trusted First
Chris Driedger did not stumble into the Seattle Kraken starting job. After years as a backup in Ottawa and Florida, he broke out with the Panthers in 2019-20, posting elite numbers and turning heads league-wide. The Kraken front office saw a hungry goaltender ready to prove himself, and they signed him to a three-year deal worth $10.5 million. He was the franchise's first real netminder investment -- the guy who would guard the crease in year one.
The 2021-22 season brought enormous challenges. Driedger battled injuries that limited his appearances, missing significant stretches and grinding through rehabilitation. Still, he returned and kept competing, finishing the inaugural campaign with a 9-14-1 record and his first Kraken shutout on April 29, 2022, a clean 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. It wasn't a storybook stats line, but the commitment was real. He was part of building something from nothing.
What You're Getting With This Puck
This is a Fanatics Authentic certified autographed Official NHL Game Puck, signed directly by Chris Driedger. It carries all the features you expect from a top-tier authenticated piece:
- Official NHL vulcanized rubber construction, regulation size and weight
- Inaugural Season branding on the face, marking the 2021-22 campaign
- Driedger's hand-signed signature in black or blue marker (per the item photography)
- Fanatics Authentic tamper-proof holographic sticker for authentication
- Certificate of Authenticity included for your records
"When a franchise's first starting goalie signs an inaugural season puck, that's a time capsule. You're not just buying a puck. You're buying the founding moment of a franchise, certified by the man who stood in the crease when it all began."
The Seattle Kraken Inaugural Season in Context
The 2021-22 season was the 32nd NHL franchise's debut, and Seattle embraced it with a passion that shocked even optimistic league officials. Climate Pledge Arena sold out consistently. The "Release the Kraken" chant echoed on national broadcasts. The team finished 27-49-6, a respectable showing for an expansion club navigating a pandemic-impacted roster construction. Driedger was a core piece of that foundation, and his memorabilia from that first season carries the weight of a city falling in love with hockey for the first time.
For collectors who focus on historical firsts -- first franchises, first seasons, inaugural campaigns -- this puck checks every box. It ties directly to the origin story.
Display and Storage Tips
Game-used quality pucks and autographed pieces deserve proper care. A few recommendations that will keep this one looking sharp for years:
- UV-protected acrylic display cube keeps the signature from fading under light exposure
- Shadow box presentation pairs beautifully with a Kraken jersey or the team's inaugural season logo print
- Avoid direct sunlight or humid storage areas -- consistent cool temperatures protect the rubber and the ink
- If stacking with other Kraken memorabilia, consider a dedicated shelf display so the puck stays visible rather than buried in a case
For Seattle Kraken collectors building a deep inaugural-era collection, Driedger's signed pieces remain accessible compared to superstars from other markets, which means now is a smart window to add this one to the shelf.
