Early Returns Promising For Kraken Prospects

The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari takes a hot lap around the most promising Seattle Kraken prospects from the team's first three drafts. This is the Cliff Notes' version of Tony's analysis. The in-depth report can be found here.

2021 Draft

Ryker Evans, D, 2nd Round: "Skilled puck-mover who excels on the breakout . Can change the tempo of the game with the puck, stopping and starting to create separation and open passing lanes."

Ryan Winterton, C, 3rd Round:  "One of the most dangerous players in the OHL playoffs in each of the last two years."

2022 Draft

Shane Wright, C, 1st Round: "Plenty of potential as methodical, tactical center with the skill to score at the pro level. Ability to play a third-line role if need be, but has talent to play second-line center. Should come into camp fired up to take a spot."

Jagger Firkus, RW, 2nd Round: "Ability to cut to inside and rip a shot by a netminder is a dream for coaches. Has a great shot and loves to play high-octane offensive hockey."

Jani Nyman, RW, 2nd Round: "Excellent off-puck movement and precise finishing talent."

Niklas Kokko, G, 2nd Round: "Finland’s favorite to start at December's world juniors. Excellent size and stays square to the shooter. Needs to develop athletically."

David Goyette, C, 2nd Round: "Silky-smooth playmaker can send a pinpoint pass through traffic and onto the tape of a teammate. Incredible vision and understands spacing on the ice."

Ty Nelson, D, 3rd Round:  "Big shot and a willingness to mix it up physically despite his 5-foot-10 size. Mobility to cut off lanes and push attackers outside."

Tucker Robertson, C, 4th Round: "Knack for advancing play with simple yet effective puck movement and a good shot."

2023 Draft

Eduard Sale, LW, 1st Round: "Can feather a pass across the ice in transition or work his way into open space to act as an off-puck finisher. Upside of an impact top-six winger with the versatility to play with a center of any skill set."

Carson Rehkopf, LW, 2nd Round: "Can find an extra gear and create distance between himself and defender, which allows him to find pockets of space. Defensive game inconsistent."

Oscar Fisker Molgaard, C, 2nd Round: "Pro tendencies and intelligence seldom seen from players his age. Goes to the high-danger areas with and without the puck; constantly looks to create the most impactful play."

Lukas Dragicevic, D, 2nd Round: "All gas, no brakes, constantly in motion with the puck. Straight-line speed a major asset, capable lateral mover, lacked agility at times. Engagement in own end an issue."

Caden Price, D, 3rd Round: "Flashes of what could be one of best defenders in class. But too often, Price victim to slower processing speed."

Andrei Loshko, C, 4th Round: "Questions about offensive upside outside of his passing ability, but mature play and defensive awareness could make him excellent depth option."

Kaden Hammell, D, 5th Round: "Makes good decisions to close gap when defending in transition, but lacks agility and foot speed to keep up with quicker attackers."

Visa Vedenpaa, G, 6th Round: "Quick reaction time. Athletic, but can get sloppy. If he can clean up form, has NHL potential."

Zeb Forsfjall, C, 6th Round: "Quickness and work ethic that could make him effective role player at NHL level. Has been a leader on many of the teams he’s played for."

Zaccharya Wisdom, RW, 7th Round: "Has no issue working harder than anyone else on the ice."

Logan Morrison, C, Undrafted Signee: "Dominant and pivotal in London’s run to the OHL final after being acquired mid-season."