Plus, Four Kraken Fantasy League Projections
Attention, Kraken Dressing Room Staff
In the spirit of the Tortise and the Hare, it matters not as much if a prospect starts the season on an NHL roster, as it does for him to finish there.
With that in mind, NHL.com's Nicholas Cotsonika identifies three young skaters who will earn a Seattle Kraken sweater at some point in 2023-24 - even if one isn't issued on opening night.
1. Shane Wright
Shane Wright (white sweater) at Development Camp in July."General manager Ron Francis said Seattle will seek an exception to allow Wright to go to the AHL if that's best for his development.
"The best solution would be for Wright to perform so well during training camp and in preseason games that he convinces the Kraken to keep him."
2. Ryker Evans
"The 21-year-old had 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) in 26 games in the Calder Cup Playoffs, 12 points more than any other defenseman in the American Hockey League."
3. Tye Kartye
Tye Kartye, '22-'23 AHL Rookie of the year with Coachella Valley Firebirds."Kartye is an incredible story. The undrafted free agent went from the fourth line in Coachella Valley to leading AHL rookies in points and being the AHL rookie of the year.
"When the Kraken lost Jared McCann to an injury in the playoffs, Kartye was called up to fill in on the first line, and scored on his first shot in his NHL debut, a 3-2 win at Colorado in Game 5 of the Western Conference First Round."
Fantasy-League Kraken Projections
As Mr. Roarke once again prepares to greet visitors onto Hockey Fantasy Island, you might be able to hear his assistant Tattoo shouting from the bell tower, "Boss! De-Points! De-Points!" (It's a 1980s TV show reference, kids.)
The reason Tattoo would shout that, you see, is because point totals are how fantasy league winners are determined. NHL.com has projected point totals for selected Kraken players for the upcoming season, with the change from 2022-23 in parentheses.
Vince Dunn, signed this summer to a four-year, $29.4m contract.Vince Dunn, 62 points (-2 from 2022-23)
"Seattle finished tied for fourth in the NHL in goals per game last season (3.52), and Dunn should be considered a fringe top 15 fantasy defenseman this season playing on a strong top pair with Adam Larsson."
Matty Beniers, 66 points (+9)
"Beniers should remain Seattle's clear No. 1 center with right wing Jordan Eberle and either McCann or rookie forward Tye Kartye (five points in 10 playoff games on line with Beniers). and is worth prioritizing in keeper and dynasty leagues."
Jared McCann last season: 40G, 70Pts.Jared McCann, 63 points (-7)
"He had the sixth-highest shooting percentage in the NHL last season (19.1; minimum 70 games) and has a high floor considering he leads Seattle in goals (67), points (120), power-play points (33), and shots on goal (409) through its two seasons in the league."
Andre Burakovsky, 60 points (39 pts. in 49 games before injury)
"His 0.80 points-per-game average put him on pace for 65 over 82 games, which would have been a new career high (previous best, 61 with Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22)."