Profiles Of Sale, Evans, Kokko, Nyman & Hall From All Three Seattle Draft Classes

Welcome to the Seattle Kraken prospect news buffet. Enjoy these tasty tidbits about players in the Kraken pipeline. (Pro tip: don't fill up on rolls.)

Eduard Sale, Right Wing - First Round, 2023

Mike Benton, on the Signals From The Deep podcast: "Off the charts skill. The one thing we read, maybe attitude or commitment issues, which made him fall in mock drafts. Talking to people around the organization, they said, 'We don't know where this read on commitment came from.' 

"He had a smile (at Kraken development camp) that would not leave his face. It looks like he's already won half the battle."

Ryker Evans, Defense - Second Round,  2021

From The Hockey Writers: "Ryker Evans had a phenomenal rookie year. Named to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team, he became the Firebirds’ No. 1 defenceman, posting 26 points in 26 playoff games. He also led the AHL in assists by a rookie with 38.

"Expect the young defenceman to once again start in the AHL but be the first defender called up if injuries or trades occurs during the season."

Niklas Kokko, Goalie - Second Round, 2022
Jani Nyman, Left Wing - Second Round, 2023

Daily Faceoff reports on two Finnish Kraken prospects from the World Jr. Summer Showcase, a recently completed three-country tournament in Plymouth, MI.

Kokko: "Kokko never had a bad period for the Finns, and rarely allowed a weak goal. He’s the favorite to be Finland’s No. 1, and might even be the best goaltender in the real tournament (World Juniors) come December. 

"Just calm, cool and poised in the net. Kokko could end up being the first properly developed goaltender the Kraken have had."

Nyman: "A strong two-way game. The 19-year-old, 6-foot-4 forward has played some good hockey with the U-20 team already this year and was one of the more physically dominant players at the (2022) world juniors. 

"With a shot like his, there’s no wonder why he always ends up with more goals than assists."

Barrett Hall, Center - Sixth Round, 2022

Hall, from Apple Valley, Minnesota (can that even be a real place?), will play as a freshman for his home-state St. Cloud State Huskies. The school wrote about him.

"Hall joins the Huskies after four seasons with Gentry Academy (2018-22), one with the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL (2021-22) and one with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL (2022-23). Hall finished his Gentry Academy career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 186 points (86 goals, 100 assists) in 94 games and a 2021 Minnesota Class A state championship while being named a top-10 finalist for the 2022 Mr. Hockey Minnesota Award." 

Kraken-Related Tournament News

The independent British Columbia Hockey League has announced dates and times for its annual BCHL Showcase, to be played for the first time at Kraken Community Iceplex. 

Between October 22-26, the 17 BCHL teams will play two games each. As its name implies, the games showcase players for NHL and NCAA scouts. Chilliwack, BC was the previous host .

The now-independent BCHL no longer limits itself to Junior-A players.

The World Junior Championships could be coming to Seattle in 2026, according to Jon Morosi of NHL Network. That would mean games at Climate Pledge Arena, as well as possibly the home rinks of the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds (in Kent) and the Everett Silvertips. It would also mean CPA would be unavailable during the tournament for Kraken home games.