Josh Mahura Believes in Kraken’s Vision for the Future
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - Last offseason for the Seattle Kraken saw two defensemen from the Florida Panthers signed: Brandon Montour and Josh Mahura, who have seemingly been tethered together for the entirety of their NHL careers. That stretch of years together seemed to be in danger this offseason when Mahura hit free agency, but a two-year extension with the Kraken ensured that the pair stays together for at least two more seasons and Seattle retains a quality defenseman. Mahura, or “Muzz” if we’re going with one of the handful of nicknames given to him by Montour, carved out a solid role for himself and will look to do so again this year as new head coach Lane Lambert seeks to install structure that should turn the Kraken defense around. We caught up with “Muzz” during training camp to recap his summer, his first year with Seattle, and learn more about him off the ice.
Seattle Kraken defenseman Josh Mahura during the 2024-25 season at Climate Pledge Arena. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo for Circling Seattle Sports)
Early into Mahura’s exit interview back in April, it was clear that there was interest from the veteran blueliner in a return to Seattle. Josh highlighted how quickly his family was able to integrate themselves to the region, specifically the outdoors which was a big plus for two dogs that he and his wife Kennedy call their own. In terms of the on-ice product, Mahura didn’t think that the Kraken were far off from finding more success in the standings as he stated that everything is going in the right direction for the organization, even if it was taking a little bit longer than everyone would like. While Josh joked that his streak of playing on teams with Brandon Montour wasn’t why he returned, saying “don’t let him fool you with that” in regards to the idea of him staying because of his fellow blueliner, the camaraderie forged with his teammates and foundation being laid by this Kraken roster was a clear component of Mahura’s desire to stay.
“Just the group here and the city itself, the organization, I loved being here. I loved being a part of the Kraken. Last year, as a team, didn’t go as we planned. Just felt like I gelled with the group so well, and loved the commitment, the want to get better, want to win, wanting to win here. At the end of the year, it was pretty mutual of wanting to come back for sure and being able to do what it takes to to be able to do that.”
Mahura’s first season in Seattle colors wasn’t necessarily a spectacular showing, but it was more than serviceable for a Kraken team that struggled defensively throughout the course of the season despite having some solid names and big contracts on their blueline. A solid and steady Mahura was able to bring some versatility, playing on left and right sides of pairings throughout the course of the year, something he attributed as a key to him having a bigger role during the 2024-25 season. While, like any player new to an organization, an initial integration period was difficult for Mahura, the majority of his season looked solid for a player that seemingly stepped into a role bigger than he expected before the season when the team still had Will Borgen. Josh knows that his role isn’t that of a top pairing guy, and so knowing the ways that the Kraken will look to utilize him helped his preparation in the offseason.
“I know what I’m my role is, and what to do out there, so you try to master that, but also try to improve your skills. Keep trying to bring different things to the ice to continue to try to better yourself, and if you’re bettering yourself, you’re bettering the team. I think as players and teammates expect that out of you to be coming into camp, better than you were last year.”
Off the ice, things were eventful this past offseason for Mahura and his partner Kennedy. The two got married back on July 18th, and the important life milestone largely dominated what their summer looked like, and rightfully so. The work relating to hockey season wasn’t done, though, as Mahura stressed the importance for him to make a plan so that there was no fatigue by the end of the summer/beginning of camp. That plan incorporated property rest after the 2024-25 regular season ended, some time to regroup and reflect on the year that just transpired, and then starting the new work for the next campaign.
“You’re kind of trying to peak pretty much as of right now, into mid September. Just putting that plan together and making sure you make the most out of it.”
For NHL players, down time and being able to explore the city that they’re in can be difficult considering the game and practice schedules that they have (Especially in a condensed schedule this year), and that is the case for Mahura when asked about being able to see the city of Seattle. Given how much travel is involved and the pregame routine that happens on a gameday, there isn’t a ton of time to take trips into or around the city, whether that’s your home market or on the road. Despite this, Josh did say that he’s been able to do a small bit of sightseeing this past summer including a hike out on Snow Lake Trail with Jaden Schwartz’s family.
“About a week ago now, we went with the Schwartz’s out to Snow Trail, to do a hike, which was a lot of fun. Obviously, going into downtown, being near the water, haven’t got on the water yet, but hopefully be able to do that here soon. Trying to go out, we’ve got two dogs, so trying to get them in the outdoors, it’s a great area for them to be able to run around. Always trying to find new things to do. ”
After joking about him to begin with, ensuring that we don’t give Monty credit for Josh re-signing with Seattle, the question had to be asked about the friendship that’s grown between Mahura and Brandon Montour. The two first spent time together back during the 2018-19 season with the Anaheim Ducks, and they’ll have been on the same roster for the four years when this season starts. The two have been part of two Stanley Cup Finals teams, winning one and losing one both with the Florida Panthers, and have become good friends throughout the grind of multiple NHL seasons. While the two will joke about each other, it’s clear that they’ve forged a strong bond.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to play with him for a few years now. Watching him turn into the player that he has is pretty amazing. The way I view him, and we view him here as a team, is one of the elite defensemen in the league. Whenever you’re able to play with a player like that as a team, you’re just lucky to have them. As a guy, he’s a great guy in the room that just loves to be around the guys, loves to be with everybody.”
Lastly, with the NHL’s dress code rules changing, things may look a bit different compared to what we’ve seen in years past with player walk ins and beyond. The potential for players to get out of their comfort zones or try looks that are a bit different than the standard suits you'll see them walk into the arena with, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Don’t expect anything flashy from Mahura, keeping things steady just like the way his game plays.
“I’ll have to think about it. I’m not too adventurous. I don’t know if I’ll be getting the crazy fits going.”
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Check out our previous Seattle Kraken articles here.
Check out our previous articles with writing by Charles Hamaker here.
Check out our previous articles with photos by Rio Giancarlo here, and his portfolio here.
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