The Seattle Kraken like most teams in the NHL have had their rosters essentially set since early July. The last piece they had to sign was Vince Dunn who signed a 4 year deal back at the end of July. Since then it's been radio silence from the Kraken.
Right now here are the listed line combinations for the Seattle Kraken
McCann-Beniers-Eberle
Schwartz-Wennberg-Burakovsky
Tolvanen-Gourde-Bjorkstrand
Tanev-Edouard Bellemare-Yamamoto
Dunn-Larsson
Oleksiak-Borgen
Dumoulin-Schultz
Grubauer
Driedger
Daccord
That overall looks quite good but there are a couple of pieces that could throw a wrench into these plans. The first is 22 year old Tye Kartye who got his first NHL experience in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, stepping right into the fire on a line with Matty Beniers. The two clicked quickly and Kartye put up 3 goals and 5 points in 10 games for Seattle; numbers that suggest the team might have something in the young forward.
The second option is 4th overall pick from 2022, Shane Wright who dropped to the Kraken. Wright had an interesting season with the Kraken, playing in 8 games being healthy scratched often, using a loophole to send him to the AHL for 8 games, taking the role of captain at the World Juniors, leading Canada to a Gold Medal and playing in the WHL. Wright did a bit of everything last season. He wasn't ready for the NHL last season but could force the team to put him on the roster with a strong camp.
The Kraken have too much depth right now and that is not a bad thing. Kartye could be the 13th forward for the Kraken and a young player who could step anywhere into the roster should an injury occur. Shane right could lock down a bottom six centre position but also play with skill should the opportunity present itself.
There are more NHL players on this roster than spots available. Seattle can also fit all these players by moving some pieces around quite easily. Maybe Cale Fleury gets sent down to the AHL or more likely Chris Driedger if he is not ready for NHL play yet. Seattle not only can utilize their full roster but with the right moves they will have the space to upgrade come the trade deadline.
The defense remains the biggest concern as the team could certainly use another top 4 right shot defender but Seattle has the ability to make an add later in the season. Take your pick, guys like Eberle, Yamamoto, Tanev, or even Wennberg could be moved to upgrade the blueline. Should any of those players go, there is a forward option primed to step up and take their spot.
Training camp is just a few weeks away and it should be interesting to watch the Kraken and see who steps up.
Thanks for reading
Seattle Kraken Blogger • 
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