WOW.
Wow wow wow wow.
The first few picks were a wild affair. We knew that Montreal might pick the big winger Juraj Savkovsky but I never expected Shane Wright to fall past spot #2, let alone all the way to the Seattle Kraken. Nemec went second to the Devils and the Coyotes still picked the local boy in Logan Cooley.
That leaves the Kraken with a player many expected to go first overall in the dynamic centre Shane Wright. Great teams in the NHL build down the middle and now Seattle in their first two seasons have Matthew Beniers and now Shane Wright. Kraken fans are going to have some dynamic skill on display as early as this fall which will be fantastic to watch.
I will update more later with a full breakdown of Wright but for now I will just say the centre has drawn comparisons in playstyle to David Krejci and in 63 games this season put up 32 goals and 94 points in the OHL. What a great day already for the 32nd team in the NHL.
---
Hey everyone, welcome to the second draft in the history of the Seattle Kraken. Currently the Kraken are set to draft 4th overall, leaving a wealth of options at their feet.
It seems a given that two way centre Shane Wright, gifted scorer Juraj Slafkovsky, and the creative centre Logan Cooley will all be gone before the Kraken step up to the podium. If one of those players was somehow to drop, it is probably safe to assume that Ron Francis will leap up to take them.
Otherwise there are some interesting names left to look at. The Kraken likely could target a defenseman, going with either the big and mobile David Jiricek or the more two way talented Simon Nemec. Either has top pairing potential and could patrol the blueline for the Kraken for the next decade.
Alternatively the Kraken could look to add the much needed scoring they desire by going with Cutter Gauthier who could step into an NHL roster as early as this season. Gauthier has the makings of a modern power forward and is responsible at both ends of the ice, something rare for such a young player.
Will the Kraken trade this pick? I find it highly unlikely unless they believe they can drop a few spots and grab some more picks but even then I think that has a low chance at working out.
In addition to all of their picks, rounds 1-7, Seattle has finally done the smart things and collected more draft picks to build their team through the draft. Seattle holds four second round picks and three fourth round picks in this years draft. The Kraken may use all of them, or they could trade down on some of those, or they could turn around and try and acquire one or two players that can help the team next season. The options give this young team some much needed flexibility.
---
Trade talks are quiet around the Kraken and I don't think this team will be a big player in terms of player for player trades at this stage. More likely we see some trades for picks or maybe a pick for player selection and then see more activity as Free Agency approaches.
I will update this blog as the day continues and will be here with all of you when the Kraken select.
Seattle Kraken Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»