The Seattle Kraken are beginning to construct a powerful prospect pool. From draft picks to free-agent signings, the younger gamers Seattle has added to its group impressed final season. Whether or not these prospects finally play for the Kraken or are utilized in trades, most ought to make a significant affect on the group in a technique or one other.
Notice: To qualify for this listing, a participant have to be 23 or underneath and performed not more than 25 NHL video games of their profession. Statistics are from the top of the 2022-23 season. The gamers are ranked based mostly on the next standards:
- Total potential (how good of a participant can the prospect change into?)
- NHL projectability (what sort/stage of participant will the prospect most definitely change into?)
- NHL readiness (how near the NHL is the prospect?)
- Significance of place (facilities and defensemen are typically valued increased than wingers and goalies.)
- Age (how a lot room/time does the prospect should develop/develop?)
With out additional ado, here’s a have a look at the top-15 prospects within the Kraken’s system heading into the 2023-24 season.
15. (D) Kaden Hammell- 2023, 148th Total
Finish of Season Rating: Not Ranked
2022-23 Stats:
Kamloops Blazers/Everett Silvertips (WHL) Common Season: 67 Video games Performed (GP), 8 Objectives (G), 18 Assists (A), 26 Factors (P)
Playoffs: 5 GP, 0 P
Kaden Hammell enters the 2023-24 season as Everett’s high defenseman. The 2023 fifth-round decide flourished in an expanded position after being traded to the Silvertips on the 2023 Western Hockey League (WHL) commerce deadline and may proceed to evolve his sport this season. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 185 kilos, his sturdy skating and playmaking skill make him a risk blue line each time the puck is on his stick.
Associated: Seattle Kraken Prime 15 Prospects: 2023 Finish-of-Season Rankings
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Based mostly on Everett’s roster, Hammell is projected to play 25+ minutes an evening with in depth time on the ability play and penalty kill. That is the right alternative for him to showcase simply how expert he’s and that he can play at a excessive stage continually all through a whole season. Enjoying only a quick drive away from Local weather Pledge Enviornment, there will probably be loads of alternatives for Kraken followers to observe him play all year long.
14. (C) Logan Morrison- 2023 Free Agent Signing
Finish of Season Rating: eleventh
2022-23 Stats:
Hamilton Bulldogs/Ottawa 67’s (OHL) Common Season: 56 GP, 40 G, 54 A, 94 P
Playoffs: 11 GP, 10 G, 6 A, 16 P
The Kraken are hoping they discovered one other gem like Tye Kartye in Logan Morrison. A dominant level producer all through his Ontario Hockey League (OHL) profession, Seattle was in a position to signal the undrafted ahead on April 11, 2023, after his season with the Ottawa 67’s got here to an finish by the hands of Tucker Robertson and the Peterborough Petes. Projected to begin within the American Hockey League subsequent season, he provides worth depth down the center to what ought to be one other sturdy Coachella Valley squad.
After going undrafted, Morrison ought to come into camp with a chip on his shoulder, eager to show to the remainder of the league that it was a mistake to move on him within the draft. The massive query, although, is how his sport will translate to the professional stage. Total, this was a sensible signing by the Kraken and one that would have long-term advantages for the group.
13. (RW) Jani Nyman- 2022, forty ninth Total
Finish of Season Rating: ninth
2022-23 Stats:
Ilves (Liiga) Common Season: 29 GP, 10 G, 4 A, 14 P
Playoffs: 6 GP, 1 A, 1 P
Ilves U20 (U20 SM-sarja) Common Season: 2 GP, 5 G, 1 A, 6 P
One of many Kraken’s extra intriguing prospects heading into the 2023-24 season is Jani Nyman. After a profitable yr in Finland’s Liiga, Seattle signed its 2022 second-rounder to an entry-level contract throughout the offseason earlier than loaning him again to Ilves for the 2023-24 season. Anticipated to be a part of Finland’s World Junior group as soon as once more this season, his progress in Finland will probably be one thing to observe because the season progresses.
This can be a large yr for Nyman, appropriately his remaining season in Finland earlier than shifting over to North America. He wants to point out not solely that he can produce at a excessive stage in Liiga but in addition in an expanded position for Ilves. If he can proceed to develop at a gradual tempo, he should not have any downside adjusting to the North American sport as soon as he makes the transfer from Finland.
12. (LW) Carson Rehkopf- 2023, fiftieth Total
Finish of Season Rating: Not Ranked
2022-23 Stats:
Kitchener Rangers (OHL) Common Season: 68 GP, 30 G, 29 A, 59 P
Playoffs: 9 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P
A dynamic scorer who can rip one-timers, Carson Rehkopf had a improbable season with the Kitchener Rangers scoring 30 objectives for the primary time in his OHL profession. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 194 kilos, he confirmed all through his draft yr that he may also play a bodily sport and isn’t afraid to get in on the forecheck to attempt to create turnovers. A possible energy ahead on the NHL stage, he proved to be a ache to play in opposition to final season and will probably be seemed upon to be an offensive chief in Kitchener in 2023-24.
One space to observe this season will probably be whether or not or not Rehkopf can enhance his skating. This could not solely assist out on the defensive facet of the sport but in addition make him harder to play in opposition to within the offensive zone. If he can enhance his skating, he has the potential to be a strong middle-six winger on the NHL stage for a very long time.
11. (D) Caden Worth- 2023, 84th Total
Finish of Season Rating: Not Ranked
2022-23 Stats:
Kelowna Rockets (WHL) Common Season: 65 GP, 5 G, 35 A, 40 P
Playoffs: 4 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 P
A possible third-round steal, Caden Worth is a prospect that followers in Seattle ought to be very enthusiastic about. Not solely is he sturdy defensively, however he may also transition the puck effectively and hit teammates in stride with breakout passes. Canada’s chief in factors by a defenseman on the World U-18’s, he ought to hit the 60-point mark with the Kelowna Rockets this season.
The most important space Worth must work on is his general consistency. Whereas there have been video games, he was phenomenal, too many nights final season, he was invisible or made easy errors {that a} participant of his high quality shouldn’t be making. The excellent news is that he’s nonetheless younger, solely turning 18 on Aug. 24, 2023, so there may be nonetheless loads of time for him to develop right into a strong NHLer.
10. (C) Tucker Robertson- 2022, 123rd Total
Finish of Season Rating: fifth
2022-23 Stats:
Peterborough Petes (OHL) Common Season: 68 GP, 36 G, 54 A, 90 P
Playoffs: 23 GP, 9 G, 13 A, 22 P
In his remaining OHL season, Tucker Robertson was nothing wanting phenomenal. He was top-of-the-line gamers within the OHL from begin to end and performed a key position in Peterborough’s run, which landed them a spot within the Memorial Cup event. Signed to an entry-level contract in early July, he’s set to make the bounce to the AHL after taking part in over 190 video games with the Petes group.
In the case of Robertson, one large query will probably be whether or not or not he performs middle on the AHL stage. Whereas he performed middle within the OHL, he is among the smaller forwards on the group and could possibly be pushed to the wing throughout his rookie season. No matter what place he performs, he’s an thrilling prospect who might shock in 2023-24.
9. (RW) Jagger Firkus- 2022, thirty fifth Total
Finish of Season Rating: seventh
2022-23 Stats:
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) Common Season: 66 GP, 40 G, 44 A, 88 P
Playoffs: 10 GP, 10 G, 11 A, 21 P
Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL) Playoffs: 1 GP
Few prospects within the Kraken system are as proficient as Jagger Firkus. The Moose Jaw Warriors winger isn’t afraid to point out off his ability, ending up on high 10 performs listing all through the season. Getting into his fourth WHL season, he’s projected to come back near 100 factors whereas additionally being a contender for Group Canada’s World Junior group.
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One pattern to observe with Firkus this season will probably be whether or not or not he can enhance his defensive sport. Whereas this will likely come at the price of his offensive manufacturing, it’s an space of his sport that wants enchancment earlier than he jumps to the professional stage. Undoubtedly, he has the expertise to play within the NHL; the query will probably be whether or not or not his general sport is powerful sufficient to have an extended profession.
8. (D) Ty Nelson- 2022, 68th Total
Finish of Season Rating: sixth
2022-23 Stats:
North Bay Battalion (OHL) Common Season: 67 GP, 24 G, 52 A, 76 P
Playoffs: 20 GP, 6 G, 19 A, 25 P
Ty Nelson is the definition of the new-age defenseman. He’s sturdy in his personal zone and has developed into one of many premier offensive defensemen within the OHL. A 3rd-round decide in 2022, he has already signed his entry-level cope with Seattle and may as soon as once more be close to the highest of league scoring amongst defensemen.
At this stage of Nelson’s growth, the main target ought to be on fine-tuning his sport to organize him for the bounce to the professionals in 2024-25. This could possibly be something from extra time on the penalty kill to raised general shot choice. If he can hold creating and getting stronger, there may be little doubt that he’ll make the NHL someday.
7. (C) Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard- 2023, 52nd Total
Finish of Season Rating: Not Ranked
HV71 (SHL) Common Season: 41 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P
HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell) Common Season: 21 GP, 6 G, 17 A, 23 P
Playoffs: 3 GP, 2 G, 2 P
HV71 J18 (J18 Nationell) Playoffs: 2 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 P
Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard is the kind of prospect that groups like to have of their group. Not solely does he have some offensive upside, however he’s additionally a participant who not often takes a shift off and impressed to the purpose that he grew to become a daily within the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) at simply 17 years outdated. He additionally had the chance to play for Denmark on the World Championships, having an affect in each sport regardless of not discovering the scoresheet.
Now that Fisker-Mølgaard has proven he can play within the SHL, level manufacturing is the subsequent step in his growth. Nobody ought to count on a 40-50 level season, however double digits in objectives and assists shouldn’t be out of the query. If every little thing goes as deliberate, he might bounce to the AHL as quickly because the 2023-24 season.
6. (D) Lukas Dragicevic- 2023, 57th Total
Finish of Season Rating: Not Ranked
2022-23 Stats:
Tri-Metropolis People (WHL) Common Season: 68 GP, 15 G, 60 A, 75 P
Playoffs: 6 GP, 4 A, 4 P
Few gamers within the 2023 NHL Draft had been as polarizing as Lukas Dragicevic. The suitable-shot defenseman out of Tri-Metropolis was arguably the perfect offensive defenseman out there within the draft however slipped to 57th due to questions surrounding his defensive sport. The excellent news for followers in Seattle is that they are going to have loads of alternatives to observe his growth as he’s set to play within the WHL as soon as once more subsequent season.
Heading into 2023-24, Dragicevic wants to point out that he could be dependable defensively and that his skating improved over the season. Even when his level manufacturing takes a little bit little bit of successful, the long-term profit to his sport can be to play extra on the penalty kill and present that he can have interaction bodily in his personal zone. If he can work on these areas of his sport, he might simply develop right into a top-four defenseman on the NHL stage.
5. (C) David Goyette- 2022, 61st Total
Finish of Season Rating: 4th
2022-23 Stats:
Sudbury Wolves (OHL) Common Season: 63 GP, 41 G, 51 A, 92 P
Playoffs: 4 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 P
Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL) Common Season: 2 GP
Playoffs: 7 GP, 2 A, 2 P
In the case of David Goyette, it’s clear that the Kraken are extraordinarily excited to have him of their system. Not solely did they waste little time signing him after his 2022-23 OHL season got here to a detailed, however additionally they gave him the chance to make his AHL common season and playoff debut, all earlier than turning 19. A late second-round decide in 2022, he’s already wanting like a draft-day steal and a participant that Seattle has large plans for sooner or later.
Certain for Sudbury as soon as once more, Goyette will probably be a front-runner to make Group Canada’s World Junior Group. Whether or not or not he hits 100 factors will even be one thing to observe, as he’s projected to as soon as once more result in Wolves in scoring. A candidate to be group captain in Sudbury this yr, this ought to be his remaining season in junior.
4. (C) Tye Kartye- 2022 Free Agent Signing
Finish of Season Rating: third
2022-23 Stats:
Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL) Common Season: 72 GP, 28 G, 29 A, 57 P
Playoffs: 18 GP, 6 G, 2 A, 8 P
Seattle Kraken (NHL) Playoffs: 10 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 5 P
Few gamers stunned like Karte did final season. The undrafted free agent not solely confirmed he could make the bounce to the professionals with ease, however he additionally gained AHL Rookie of the Yr and confirmed throughout the NHL playoffs that he could possibly be prepared to affix the Kraken as early as this season. A tough-working participant who’s prepared to play any position assigned to him, his play in 2022-23 exhibits why scanning the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) free-agent pool could be helpful to groups.
Based mostly on the Kraken’s present roster, it could be laborious for Kartye to make the group however not unimaginable. He’s versatile, in a position to play all three ahead positions and has gained the teaching employees’s belief based mostly on his play final yr. If he doesn’t make the group proper out of the gate, count on him to be the primary participant referred to as up when an harm happens.
3. (LW) Eduard Šalé- 2023, twentieth Total
Finish of Season Rating: Not Ranked
2022-23 Stats:
HC Kometa Brno (Czech Republic) Common Season: 43 GP, 7 G, 7 A, 14 P
Playoffs: 6 GP, 0 P
With their first decide within the 2023 draft, Seattle drafted winger Eduard Šalé who performed final season within the Czech Republic’s high males’s league. A prospect identified for his offensive talents, he was thought-about top-of-the-line playmaking wingers out there on this yr’s draft. If he can hit his ceiling, he might simply develop right into a first-line winger that may produce 40+ assists this season.
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As an alternative of taking part in within the Czech Republic subsequent season, Šalé will probably be shifting to the OHL to play for the Barrie Colts. It will enable him to get used to the North American ice floor and be nearer to Seattle’s growth group, who can monitor his progress all through the season. Anticipate him to make the bounce to both the AHL or NHL throughout the 2024-25 season and change into a daily within the Kraken lineup within the subsequent 4 to 5 years.
2. (C) Shane Wright- 2022, 4th Total
Finish of Season Rating: 2nd
2022-23 Stats:
Windsor Spitfires (OHL) Common Season: 20 GP, 15 G, 22 A, 37 P
Playoffs: 4 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 P
Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL) Common Season: 8 GP, 4 G, 2 A, 6 P
Playoffs: 24 GP, 2 G, 7 A, 9 P
Seattle Kraken (NHL): 8 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 P
Few gamers can have extra strain on them than Shane Wright heading into coaching camp. The previous fourth-overall decide had an honest playoff run with the Firebirds and can as soon as once more try to make the Kraken’s roster full-time. Whereas he nonetheless has loads of time to develop right into a strong NHLer, he must make an announcement and truly be within the lineup this season moderately than sitting up within the press field.
The Wright scenario will get much more difficult if he doesn’t make the group; it might imply one other yr within the OHL. Aside from making an attempt to construct up his confidence, there may be little to no worth in having him despatched again to junior. Seattle has a strong lineup, however it could be helpful long run to make sure that he has an on a regular basis spot within the lineup moderately than having him as a wholesome scratch for almost all of the season.
1. (D) Ryker Evans- 2021, thirty fifth Total
Finish of Season Rating: 1st
2022-23 Stats:
Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL) Common Season: 71 GP, 6, G, 38 A, 44 P
Playoffs (AHL): 26 GP, 5 G, 21 A, 26 P
Ryker Evans confirmed he’s a lot nearer to being NHL-ready than most thought final season. He was named to the AHL All-Star Recreation and developed into Coachella Valley’s number-one defenseman, serving to them attain the Calder Cup Remaining of their first season. A powerful playmaker who confirmed he can step up in large moments, he earned an opportunity on the NHL stage.
The most important hurdle for Evans is that the Kraken’s protection seems to be set for the upcoming season. Until a commerce occurs or he learns to play the fitting facet, there isn’t any room to pencil him in. Identical to Kartye, he could begin the season within the AHL however ought to be referred to as as much as make his NHL debut this season.
Honorable Mentions
- Andrei Loshko
- Jacob Melanson
- Tyson Jugnauth
- Niklas Kokko