Kraken 1st Round Pick: LW Eduard Šalé

Seattle Chooses Playmaking European Forward With Pick #20

The first thing to know about the Seattle Kraken's first round draft choice, Eduard Šalé, is how to pronounce his name: Sha-LAH.

Seattle chose Šalé, a 6-foot-2, 174 pound left wing from Czechia, with the #20 overall pick.

The Hockey News, in their draft issue, ranked Sale at #11. "There are a few polarizing players in this draft, and Šalé is definitely at the head of the list. Nobody questions his offensive ability, but some scouts are having trouble seeing where he can fit into a lineup unless he’s on the top two lines.

"Scouts see Šalé as more of a playmaker than a shooter, and while they’re not nonexistent, not many wingers tend to be playmakers. But if Šalé finds a way to add more of a competitive dimension to his game, the Kraken will be very happy."

Analytics expert Meghan Chayka, on ESPN: "His NHL comparable is Kasperi Kapanen (St. Louis Blues right wing). Good puck management, doesn't force plays, limits giveaways, creates space. Great skater. Tight turns to escape opponents."

Former Scout Jason Bukala, on Sportsnet: "Great stick and excellent on the power play. Makes plays forehand/backhand from the flank. Dangerous in tight with a quick release. With more strength in time, combined with his skill set, he has the potential to become a top line NHL forward. He’s better than average defensively."

Šalé says his favorite NHL player is two-time 30-goal scorer Jonathan Hubedau of the division rival Calgary Flames. "I think I have a little bit of the same style as him," Šalé told ESPN. Only 18, he will need to polish his craft and fill out his frame before fans can expect to see him at Climate Pledge Arena in 2-3 years.

The OHL Barrie Colts tweeted congratulations to Šalé, because he's expected to join the major junior team this autumn. Barrie is just over an hour drive due north of Toronto.

Robert Kron, Kraken director of amateur scouting, may have had post-draft tickets at the Grand Ole Opry. No Nashville shout-outs, or to fans watching back in Seattle. Stepping to the microphone at Bridgestone Arena, Kron took exactly five seconds to announce the pick.

The remainder of the seven-round draft will be held tomorrow, beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific time (TV: NHL Network). Seattle has three picks in the second round, #50, #52 and #57.