The Seattle Kraken have sent forward Tye Kartye to the Coachella Valley Firebirds on a conditioning loan and have recalled Ben Meyers. 

Expectations for Kartye were elevated after a strong rookie season. In his rookie campaign, Kartye scored 11 goals and 20 points in 77 games. Averaging just 11:50 of ice time, he found ways to be a physical force and a highly effective forechecker.

This season hasn't been so kind to the 23-year-old. His ice time has dipped to 9:48 and he's scored just three goals and seven points in 49 games. Because he's been a healthy scratch since Feb. 8, the Kraken can send him down to the AHL as what's described as a conditioning loan. 

No injury, illness or ailment has been hampering Kartye, or at least the organization has not released any information on this, and the reasoning for the several healthy scratches is based on performance. 

The Kingston, ON native played the 2022-23 season with the Firebirds, recording 28 goals and 57 points in 77 games, going on to win Rookie of the Year honours. Returning to the Firebirds will hopefully help Kartye gain confidence and rediscover his game. The young Kraken forward looks to be a part of the franchise's long-term plan and they need him to find his game again. 

Meyers has spent the majority of the season with the Firebirds, scoring 19 goals and 40 points in 45 games. He's featured in six games with the Kraken this year but has yet to register a goal or point. His versatility to play on the wing or as a centre is a cherished asset. 

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