The Architect of Seattle's Crease: Philipp Grubauer's Draft Day Puck
The Architect of Seattle's Crease: Philipp Grubauer's Draft Day Puck
Hey there, hockey family! There's something special about holding a puck signed by the goaltender who became the backbone of an entire franchise. Today I want to talk about the Philipp Grubauer Seattle Kraken Autographed 2010 NHL Draft Logo Hockey Puck with the "Pick #112" inscription - a piece that captures one man's journey and a city's championship dreams.
When the Seattle Kraken held their inaugural draft in 2021, they made some calculated moves. But Philipp Grubauer? He became their anchor in the blue paint. Drafted 112th overall in 2010 by the Washington Capitals, Grubauer spent years climbing the ranks - backing up Braden Holtby, mastering the craft, learning what it takes to be an elite NHL goaltender. By the time Seattle came calling, he was ready to be "The Guy." This puck commemorates that draft moment, autographed by the man who would go on to post 32 wins in the Kraken's inaugural season and become one of the most reliable netminders in the league.
Let me walk you through what you're holding here. This is a Fanatics Authentic piece, which means it's officially licensed by the NHL and comes with their tamper-evident hologram. That hologram isn't just for show - it's your seal of authenticity. You can verify it online, which eliminates any doubt about whether Grubauer's signature is genuine. The inscription "PICK #112" is hand-written across the official black NHL puck, sitting alongside the 2010 Draft logo. The craftsmanship on these autographed pucks is exceptional. The signature is legible, bold, and stays vibrant because of how the puck surface is treated. It's not some fragile collectible you can't handle - it's a hockey puck meant to be appreciated.
"The best autographed pucks are the ones where you can see the personality of the player in their signature. Grubauer's is clean and purposeful - you can see the confidence there, even if he didn't know at the time that Seattle would draft him years later."
Here's what I love about this particular puck: it's a snapshot of possibility. In 2010, nobody knew Grubauer would become one of the Kraken's most important players. It's just a draft pick number. But now, with the benefit of hindsight, it's a conversation piece about vision, development, and timing. That's the magic of sports memorabilia - it gets richer as the story unfolds.
For display, I recommend an acrylic cube stand. Grubauer's autographed pucks are popular enough that they deserve a place of honor - maybe on a shelf with other Kraken player signatures, or in a shadow box if you're building a "Kraken History" collection. Keep it out of direct sunlight (UV can fade even the best signatures over time), and if you're in a particularly dry climate, the acrylic case provides just enough environmental protection without being heavy-handed. Some collectors pair it with a framed 2010 draft card or a Kraken inaugural season photo - that narrative telling is where the real joy comes in.
Scarcity is on your side here. Autographed pucks from draft years are always limited compared to game-used pieces or Stanley Cup Final commemoratives. And this is specifically Grubauer's signature during his early career - before the Kraken years, before his career renaissance in Seattle. Collectors who specialize in goaltender memorabilia or Kraken founding-era signatures will absolutely hunt for this one.
This puck is exactly why I love collecting. It's not just an object - it's a chapter in a larger story. And I've added one to my needs list in the Collectiblz app, because there's always room for another piece of hockey history on these shelves. 🏒
