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MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #16

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:18:15 +0000

Top 20 Seattle Kraken Prospects

1. Shane Wright

To say that Wright had an eventful season would be an understatement. He went from the NHL to the AHL, then to the World Juniors, then back to the OHL, where he joined Windsor for the first time following the trading of his rights, and finally back to the AHL for Coachella Valley's playoff run. His results over that span were a very mixed bag. He didn't look NHL-ready in the fall but left a serious statement in his early AHL stint. He won a World Juniors gold as Canada's captain but didn't personally dominate during the tournament. He was great during the OHL regular season, but quiet as his team was swept in the opening round of the playoffs. Overall, it wasn't the performance that people expected out of a player who had been projected by many to go first overall in 2022, though you can't discount the possible impact of all the instability. Finding a steady environment for him next season will be paramount.

2. Eduard Sale

A slick trickster, Sale entered the last season looking like a possible top 10 pick in the 2023 draft, ultimately slipping to the Seattle Kraken at 20th overall. Coming off his first full season in the Czech Extraliga, where he led all rookies with 14 points and took home Rookie of the Year honors, Sale also made his presence known for his country at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, WJC, and U18 Worlds. In fact, it was at that last tournament, as an underager in 2022, where he really arrived on the scene as a top prospect, racking up 8 assists in 6 games while being the prime set-up master for top prospect Jiri Kulich. Sale’s movement stands out as a top trait, stemming from technically-sound skating mechanics. He’s able to accelerate quite quickly, reaching his top speed effortlessly while displaying strong edges that he utilizes to change direction on a dime. Deceptive with quick shoulder drops and head fakes, his puck-handling is another top-flight trait and is perhaps only topped by his instinctive passes. That he’s also strong in small-area battles will be a big plus, because he’s scheduled to join the OHL Barrie Colts for 2023-24, which should be a wonderful barometer for determining just how far he is in his development.

3. Ryker Evans

Seattle made a bold move when they selected Evans with the 35th overall pick in 2021, going way outside the consensus of publicly published draft lists to nab the overager. That decision is looking better and better as time passes. Coachella Valley was one of the best teams in the AHL in 2022-23, and despite being a rookie he was already one of their best players. He is a dynamic difference-maker from the back end, able to break pucks out of his own zone, move them safely up the ice, and contribute to getting them in the opposing net. He makes a big impact at both even strength and on the powerplay. He defends pretty well too, by focusing on his gaps and getting sticks on pucks precisely. Evans was a number one defenseman in his days with WHL Regina, and if he stays on his current trajectory, he should become top half of the lineup kind of player for the Kraken, too.

4. Jagger Firkus

There is a certain ’X factor‘ to Firkus that is difficult to describe, but anyone who has watched him a lot can attest to its presence. There are times where it looks like he just inherently knows that he's going to beat you offensively, and in those moments, there is absolutely nothing that you can do to stop him. If it weren't for some other WHLer named Connor Bedard, Fircus’ goal-scoring prowess would get a lot more attention. Not only can his shot find any bit of space that a goalie is careless enough to offer up, but his ability to sneak into dangerous ice in the offensive zone is almost supernatural. A scout's common sense might note that small, scrawny players with questionable skating ability don't usually pan out in the NHL. Then again, Firkus is anything but common.

5. Jani Nyman

There are still games where Nyman blends into the scenery a little too much, but when he's really on his game he is one of the best players on the ice, even against older competition. He's a hulking winger who can work a cycle, score from in tight or distance, find teammates with high-danger passes at the right times, and move up and down the ice with momentum. Even more exciting is his continued progress in all these different areas, and if that continues, the end result could see him become an exhausting nightmare to contain or defend against at the highest levels, very similar to someone like Alex Tuch in Buffalo. If Seattle is smart, they will patiently let Nyman lay as much groundwork as necessary and then take his time building upon it to ensure he eventually reaches his highest possible ceiling.

6. David Goyette

Goyette is one of the smoothest skaters that you'll ever see at the junior level. He's just so fast, agile, and nimble, which allows him to create separation in all directions. He's also an impressively clean puck handler in motion, so it won't come as a surprise then that he is a go-to player in transition or that he is at his most effective offensively off the rush. When he does get in tight, he can deke goalies into paralysis. His lack of strength is a weakness, and it looks unlikely that he will ever be able to bulk up much, but you can't hit what you can't catch, so he should be able to remain successful so long as he doesn't lose a step with his skating. Goyette is a true leader in Sudbury and was instrumental in pulling them out of the OHL's basement and back into the playoffs last season.

7. Ty Nelson

Heading into the 2022 NHL Draft weekend there was talk that Nelson could sneak into the first round, but he ultimately fell a lot further than that, all the way down to the third round. Seattle certainly isn't complaining now, because they selected a player who suddenly had a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove the doubter wrongs, which is exactly what happened. The first overall pick in the 2020 OHL draft cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, logging a mountain of minutes and leading the blueline for a Battalion team that finished second during the regular season. For a small guy he has a big personality, an elite compete level, and a cannon of a shot. Nelson could become a special player if he can continue harnessing his energy into explosive play without being too reckless.

8. Lukas Dragicevic

When it comes to offensive defensemen, there simply aren't many others who are as dangerous as Dragicevic from the offensive blueline onward. He possesses elusive footwork and slick hands, which he can use in tandem to dance around and embarrass anyone who tries to recklessly pressure him. He has a bomb of a slapshot that he loves to uncork, but he also has a hard, accurate wrister that he can use to try to beat goalies clean or send in for a deflection. As good as he is on the attacking line, he's also not shy about getting closer to the net to generate offense. Unsurprisingly, he's a monster on the powerplay. Dragicevic is additionally a major factor at driving the play up the ice. However, as easily as he can pull you out of your seat when h has the puck, he can just as easily make you pull out your hair with his mistakes and inconsistency. His decision-making is downright baffling at times, with frequent unforced turnovers. He can get lost in his own end, and worse yet, will often completely shut off his effort. He will need the right shutdown-minded partner on his left side who can cover for his risk-taking.

9. Carson Rehkopf

Rehkopf’s strong athletic profile made him a very intriguing player for scouts this year, even with concerns over the variance in his engagement level. His skating explosiveness is a strength and it makes him a great quick strike player who can consistently beat defenders to spots or pucks. Additionally, his shot was one of the heaviest in the 2023 draft class. When he’s on, Rehkopf is dialled in physically and flashes the tools to be a very good two-way player and potential shutdown type. When he’s off, he tends to disappear and makes little impact. Are the issues with consistency related to conditioning, mindset, confidence, or all three? We’ll find out the answer in the next few years, but for now, Seattle will need to be patient with Rehkopf as he figures out what kind of player he wants to be. With OHL Kitchener rebuilding this year, he’ll get all the ice time that he can handle, barring a trade to a more stacked club.

10. Oscar Fisker Molgaard

One has to wonder if there’s any such thing as a coincidence when a team hires one of the few former Danish NHLers (namely Frans Nielsen) and a few months later selects the only Danish player of note in the following draft. Regardless of any external motivations, Seattle has added a player to its suddenly burgeoning prospect bin who was one of this season’s biggest surprises in the Swedish SHL. Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Molgaard suited up for 41 SHL games, with his +6 for a struggling club being perhaps the most noticeable outcome of his play. A fleet-footed lightweight who has shown himself to be a playmaker at the junior level, he approaches the game with maturity and a strong understanding of play both with and without the puck. Tricky and creative with the puck, Molgaard is very adept at finding shooting lanes and displaying slick mitts around the goalmouth area. His forte in an offensive sense nonetheless remains the carrying and distribution of pucks. Translating those abilities to SHL play turned heads in the scouting community last season. With time on his side, he’s scheduled to continue his development with HV71 this season.

11. Caden Price

A recent draft pick of the Kraken, Price had a disappointing draft year on a poor Kelowna team. There’s a lot of hope that his play will pick up as the team around him improves. Decision making can be an issue, but Price has the potential to be an impact defender at both ends.

12. Tye Kartye

Talk about a great story. Kartye has gone from obscure OHL free agent signing to scoring big goals in the NHL playoffs for the Kraken within a single season. Kartye is so good away from the puck, a testament to the way he thinks the game. He could be a longtime fixture on Seattle’s third line.

13. Ryan Winterton

Winterton just needs to stay healthy. That’s it, that’s all. When he’s on the ice, like last season’s OHL playoffs, he’s an impact player. But the injuries remain a lingering issue, especially given the power forward style that he likes to play. He’ll turn pro this year and fingers crossed that he has put the injuries behind him.

14. Tucker Robertson

Robertson is such an easy player to cheer for given his tenacious style of play. His engine never stops. He was a pillar of strength for Peterborough in their OHL title run last year and it will be interesting to see how his offensive game translates to the pro level this year. The keys are continuing to improve his speed and quickness.

15. Jacob Melanson

The improvement over his QMJHL career was outstanding, with Melanson ending his time in the Q scoring 50 goals last season. Better yet, he brings value outside of scoring with his physicality. Another player to watch as he turns pro this year.

16 Niklas Kokko

A second-round selection in 2022, Kokko had a promising season, split between Liiga and the Finnish second tier. Signed by the Kraken, where Kokko plays this year remains a bit of a mystery, but at this point he appears to be the top goaltending prospect in the system.

17. Semyon Vyazovoi

Evaluating Russian goaltenders pre-KHL can be difficult. But Vyazovoi has been lights out in the MHL and was even impressive in the Russian second league (VHL) last year. Seattle is hoping that he can get some time in the KHL as a 20-year-old this season.

18. Ville Ottavainen

Offense will never be a big part of Ottavainen’s game, but he shows a lot of promise in the defensive end with his combination of length, mobility, and physicality. After two good seasons in Finland, he’ll be playing in Coachella Valley this year.

19. Tyson Jugnauth

Not a lot of players had good years on Wisconsin last year, but Jugnauth was one of the few. His freshman season showed a ton of promise, especially in the offensive end. He’s likely to be a three- or four-year college project, but the upside is big.

20. Logan Morrison

When Morrison finally signed an NHL deal towards the end of the OHL season, those who follow the OHL closely rejoiced. No one deserved it more. Yes, there are concerns over his skating and projection, but the IQ and playmaking ability are high end.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #20 Seattle Kraken

Derek Neumeier — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:33:15 +0000

The second-year expansion team made the playoffs, and upset the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in a remarkably quick rise to competitiveness. They fell in the organizational rankings year over year with the graduation of Matty Beniers, and not surprising they are in the bottom third, as it takes time to build organizational depth. Much of their trading to date has been aimed at gathering draft picks. They had nine picks in the first four rounds of the 2022 NHL Draft and landed the third overall ranked prospect in Shane Wright, along with Jagger Firkus #88, Jani Nyman #106, David Goyette #123, Ty Nelson #131. Wright is likely to make the leap to the NHL next season, but patience will still be required with the others. GM Ron Francis has carefully crafted a competitive squad, but it is unlikely he will follow his fellow expansion team the Golden Knights in sacrificing future for immediate returns.

A tight, well-coached team with an intense forecheck, they are creating a good environment for prospects to thrive in. The only significant trade that involved picks made in the last two years was a great success, prying Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Blue Jackets for a third and fourth round pick. Well ahead of schedule both in the regular season and the playoffs, patience will remain the order of the day, adding both character and skill around their two young centerman, Beniers and Wright.

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 06: Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright (51) skates after the puck during an NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Seattle Kraken on December 6, 2022 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire)

Shane Wright

To say that Wright had an eventful season would be an understatement. He went from the NHL to the AHL, then to the World Juniors, then back to the OHL where he joined Windsor for the first time following the trading of his rights, and back to the AHL for Coachella Valley's playoffs. The results over that span have been a very mixed bag. He didn't look NHL-ready in the fall but left a serious statement in his early AHL stint. He won World Juniors gold as Canada's captain but didn't dominate. He was great in the OHL regular season, but quiet as his team was swept in the opening round. Overall, it wasn't the performance that people expected out of the player who was projected to go 1^st overall in 2022, though you can't discount the possible impact of all the instability. Finding a steady environment for him next season will be paramount.

2. Jagger Firkus

There is a certain "X factor" to Firkus that is difficult to describe, but anyone who has watched him a lot can attest that it exists. There are times where it looks like he just inherently knows that he's going to beat you offensively, and in those moments, there is absolutely nothing that you can do to stop him. If it weren't for some other WHL kid named Connor Bedard his goal-scoring prowess would get a lot more attention. Not only can his shot find any bit of space that a goalie is careless enough to give up, but his ability also to sneak into dangerous ice in the offensive zone is almost supernatural. A scout's common sense might tell him or her that small, scrawny players with questionable skating ability don't usually pan out in the NHL. Then again, Firkus is anything but common.

3. Jani Nyman

There are still games where Nyman blends into the scenery a little too much, but when he's really on his game he is one of the best players on the ice, even against older competition. He's a hulking winger who can work a cycle, score from in tight or distance, find teammates with high-danger passes at the right times, and move up and down the ice with momentum. What's really exciting, though, is that he keeps making progress in all these different areas, and if that continues, the end result could see him become a player who is an exhausting nightmare to contain or defend, very similar to someone like Alex Tuch in Buffalo. If Seattle is smart, they will patiently let Nyman lay as much groundwork as necessary and then take his time building upon it to ensure he eventually reaches his highest possible ceiling.

4. David Goyette

Goyette is one of the smoothest skaters that you'll ever see at the junior level. He's just so fast and agile and nimble, which allows him to create separation in all directions. He's also an impressively clean puck handler in motion, so it won't come as a surprise then that he is a go-to player in transition or that he is at his most effective offensively off the rush. When he does get in tight, he can deke goalies into paralysis. His lack of strength is a weakness, and it looks unlikely that he will ever be able to bulk up much, but you can't hit what you can't catch, so he should be able to remain successful so long as he doesn't lose a step with his skating. Goyette is a true leader in Sudbury and was instrumental at pulling them out of the OHL's basement and back into the playoffs.

5. Ty Nelson

Heading into last year's draft weekend there was talk that Nelson could sneak into the 1st round, but he ultimately fell a lot further than that, all the way down to the 3rd round. Seattle certainly isn't complaining now, though, because they selected a player who was fired up this season and determined to prove people wrong, and that's exactly what happened. The 1st overall pick in the 2020 OHL draft cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, logging a mountain of minutes and leading the blueline for a Battalion team that finished 2nd in the regular season. For a small guy he has a big personality, an elite compete level and a serious cannon of a shot. Nelson could become a special player if he can continue harnessing his energy into explosive play without being too reckless doing so.

6. Ryker Evans

Seattle made a bold move when they selected Evans with the 35th overall pick in 2021, going way outside the consensus of publicly published draft lists. However, that decision is looking better and better as time passes. Coachella Valley is one of the best teams in the AHL, and despite being a rookie he is already one of their best players. He is a dynamic difference-maker from the back end, able to break pucks out of his own zone, move them safely up the ice, and contribute to them ending up in the opposing net. Makes a big impact at both even strength and on the powerplay. Defends pretty well too, by focusing on his gaps and getting sticks on pucks precisely. Evans was a number one defenseman in his days with Regina, and if he stays on his current trajectory, he should become that same kind of player for the Kraken.

7. Tucker Robertson

Robertson had a good 16-year-old season in the OHL but didn't play a single game anywhere in 2020-21 due to COVID, and then didn't have his name get called in the 2021 draft. However, it's fair to say in hindsight that he would have gotten picked if he would have played, because he dropped an impressive 41-goal, 81-point season as soon as the OHL resumed play and was scooped up by Seattle as a re-entry prospect. His work ethic and attitude are elite, as he plays a lot of minutes in all situations and never seems to take a shift off or lose his confidence. He's a natural leader, letting his play do most of the talking and set a positive example, and it's clear that his teammates rally behind him. While his game might not fully translate to the NHL he easily projects as someone who will carve out a role and win over his coaches.

8. Jacob Melanson

Melanson got the best of two worlds this season: being a go-to, top-line player for the front half with Acadie-Bathurst, before getting traded to one of the best teams in the league and a serious championship contender in Sherbrooke in the back half. He is a blue-collar forward who is more than happy to put in work in all three zones, but undoubtedly gets the most enjoyment out of taking shots in and around the opposing net front. He can score from that area by out-working defenders for garbage goals, but he also has a high level of talent with his hand-eye coordination and timing that can't fully be taught. While what Melanson does isn't particularly exciting, the results are undeniable, and he shouldn't need to adjust his style all that much throughout his career.

9. Ryan Winterton

Once considered a top prospect heading into the OHL, Winterton hasn't quite lived up to his billing, but in his defense a lot has happened that has been outside of his control. COVID robbed him of his entire 2020-21 season with the exception of the IIHF U18s, and then he fought through shoulder problems in both of the next two years that caused him to miss even more action. Luckily for him the games he has played in have both been with very good teams, last year with a Hamilton club that went to the Memorial Cup and now with London. He is a multifaceted winger or center who can play in all situations and make an impact in any of them. If Winterton can stay healthy in the coming years he has the potential to become one of the best middle-of-the-lineup forwards in hockey.

10. Tye Kartye

The Kraken have only been around for two NHL drafts, so they have needed to roll the dice on some young free agents to fill out their system. And with the signing of Kartye they rolled themselves a Yahtzee. He grew into a leadership role with the Soo Greyhounds in his last season there, and that cultivated maturity turned out to be wildly valuable, as he exceeded all expectations as an AHL rookie. His weaknesses in size and skating ability are immaculately overcome by his mental approach, always knowing what his responsibilities are and how to get the edge on opponents to accomplish them. Kartye doesn't project very highly, but there's a decent floor to his game as a responsible, bottom six glue guy, and he conceivably might even wear a letter on his sweater at some point.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors – Brock Otten, Chapin Landvogt, Ethan Hetu, Dylan Krill, — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 21:14:08 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JULY 07: Seattle Kraken pick Shane Wright stands between management during the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on July 07, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Matthew Beniers C

Despite the fact that he’s only played in ten NHL games, Matthew “Matty” Beniers is quickly becoming the face of the NHL’s newest franchise. When the Kraken drafted Shane Wright at the 2022 draft, Beniers was one of the first to reach out to welcome him to the team, a team Beniers himself is still quite new to. The Kraken have taken a bit of a different route to their fellow recent expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights, in building their team, but make no mistake about it: any winner GM Ron Francis is attempting to build has Beniers as its centerpiece. If one takes just a short look at Beniers’ game film, it’d be easy to mistake the 19-year-old for being a seasoned NHL veteran. Beniers has an ever-active motor, and he’s always either around the play or in movement looking to get involved. His skill level keeps pace with his energy level, and his hands are the sort of sneaky good that only Kraken fans may come to appreciate fully. Beniers is a pass-first playmaker who drives any line he centers, and he’s a center with real potential to be one of those players who elevates the production of any linemate fortunate enough to be stapled to his wing. Beniers was extremely impressive in his short NHL action last year, and he could be counted on as a true top-six center as immediately as next season by coach Dave Hakstol. It’s challenging for any young player to take on a center role in the NHL, let alone a top-six one, but Beniers has what it takes to handle it. If he can keep up his progress, he can become a two-way force as a top-six center, anchoring a scoring line and the Kraken’s special teams. - EH

2 - Shane Wright C

The 4th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Shane Wright may have slipped in the draft farther than expected, but there is no question that he could still become the best player out of the draft. The former 1st overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft had the opportunity to play in the OHL as a 15-year-old after being granted exceptional status. In his rookie year, Wright finished with 66 points (39G,27A) in 58 games. Like others, Wright was forced to miss the 2020-2021 season due to the Covid-19 shutdown. Fortunately for Wright, he got the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship, being named captain for team Canada. In the 2021-2022 season, Wright finished with 94 points (32,62) in 63 games, which was 8th in the league in points, 6th in the league in assists and 2nd on the team in points. Wright’s best assets are his hockey sense and playmaking. He consistently makes smart decisions with and without the puck that help create high danger chances for his team and suppress chances against. He has a great understanding of how to create space for himself and teammates, attracting defenders to allow his teammates to get open for a pass or shot. Although Wright isn’t the flashiest player, he makes up for it because he’s so mature and plays a defensively committed 200ft game. He’s excellent in transition, both in driving the play and finding teammates for a quick give-and-go. Having the ability to find holes through defenders and execute with crisp and accurate passes. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Wright will be highly motivated to prove that three teams made a mistake on passing him. You can expect him to be one of the best players in the OHL, as well as a top producer, if not the very top. - DK

3 - Jagger Firkus RW

A favourite of ours at McKeen’s during our 2022 draft coverage, the Seattle Kraken made an astute selection with the dynamic, but undersized winger. Firkus is remarkably skilled. His ability to maintain control of the puck through changes of pace and direction makes him incredibly difficult to contain in transition, even without elite speed or strength. His shot is a major weapon, especially since it is incredibly deceptive due to his ability to shoot in motion and alter his quick release. Firkus is also a hard worker who has the tenaciousness that you look for in slightly smaller wingers. The key for him moving forward is to continue to upgrade those physical tools. Not a poor skater by any standards, but given his smaller frame, it would be beneficial for him to improve his speed and explosiveness. Additionally, he needs to bulk up to be better at playing through traffic, allowing him to be more consistent. Firkus will return to Moose Jaw this season where he will look to push for the WHL’s scoring title. He should also play a role on Canada’s WJC team in December. His projection currently remains the same as it was in our draft guide; we see him as a potential first line winger who can be one of Seattle’s top offensive options. - BO

4 - David Goyette C

The 61^st overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, David Goyette was a bit of a shock to some to see him drop out of the top 50 as he was projected by some to go in the first round because of his high-end tools and elite skating. Goyette has always been a highly talented player who has produced at a highly at every level. Goyette was the 11^th overall selection in the 2020 OHL Draft and was able to find some ice during the 2020-2021 OHL shutdown season, playing four games in the National Collegiate Development Conference for the P.A.L. Junior Islanders, finishing with six points (3G,3A). In the 2021-2022 season, Goyette was relied upon heavily as he was given the role of 1C on a line with two other rookies. Goyette took a little to adjust, but once he became more comfortable, his confidence became very high, and he started to produce and never seemed to stop. Finishing the year with 73 points (33G,40A) in 66 games, Goyette lead his team, all rookies and 27^th in the league in points for a very successful year. Goyette’s best assets are his skating and playmaking. He is an elite skater who controls the pace when the puck is on his stick. He can keep up with anyone and is very deceptive and difficult to defend against because of his quickness and agility. His ability to make plays in-tight and at high-pace are so effective, he can be dangerous anywhere in the offensive zone. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Goyette will be one of the most exciting players to watch in the OHL as his creativity and high skill catch eyes very easily. You could expect Goyette to be near the top in points in the OHL next season. - DK

5 - Ty Nelson D

The 68^th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Ty Nelson will look to have a big year to prove that he fell too far in the draft, as some viewed him as a potential late first round pick. Due to his size and not being an elite skater was most likely a result, but Nelson has the tools and ability to reach a level where he could become a very useful defenseman in the NHL. The former 1^st overall pick in the 2020 OHL Draft was unfortunate like others from that draft as they were hit with Covid-19 shutting down the 2020-2021 OHL season. Nelson took that opportunity to continue to grow and become stronger. Getting more off-season training than usual may have helped Nelson with being able to adapt to the OHL easier. During the 2021-2022 season, the Battalion relied on Nelson heavily. Playing on the top pair, playing in all situations and being the go-to guy on the blue line as a rookie is very impressive. Nelson was asked to do a lot, and he succeeded. Finishing the season with 51 points (9G,42A) in 66 games which was 6^th on his team in points, 6^th in OHL rookie points and also first in OHL rookie assists. Nelson’s best assets are his competitiveness and his hockey sense. Nelson is very noticeable when he’s on the ice. He flies around with great speed and plays like a bulldog, not backing down from any battle, no matter who the opponent is. Nelson also reads play very well and makes it difficult to play against because he doesn’t give up much space and plays very aggressive. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Nelson will once again be relied upon heavily and will be the main blue liner on the Battalion. You could expect an increase in points. - DK

6 - Jani Nyman RW

Taken 49^th overall this summer, Nyman is a 6’3”, 207-pound winger who just turned 18 on July 30th. His season was very unique for a 17-year-old, having suited up 34 times for the second league Mestis team Koovee, and putting up an outstanding 18 goals and 35 points, good for 25th overall in league scoring, causing observers to recall Roby Järventie (OTT), who had similar draft year production and more recently spearheaded the Finnish attack to a silver medal at this summer’s WJC. Will Nyman be doing the same as soon as this winter? His 34 Mestis games weren’t his only action this past season, as he added another two points in two postseason games and dressed for 10 Liiga games. He had already gotten his season off to a good start, with seven points in five Hlinka Gretzky Cup contests, and he wrapped things up nicely with four points in seven games as a key member of bronze-medal-winning Finland’s second line at the U18 Worlds. Nyman’s greatest asset is his shot. His wrister, snapshot and one-timer, are all legit weapons, with impressive velocity. He can also display some very sleek hands, moving along swiftly with the puck on his stick. He tends to play slower when he doesn’t have the puck on his stick. Additionally, his overall physical play isn’t indicative of his size. At the end of the day, Seattle feels very strongly that the shot and size are there for an NHL career. Nyman is scheduled to suit up for Ilves of the Finnish Liiga this winter. – CL

7 - Ryan Winterton RW

It certainly hasn’t been easy for Winterton in recent years. Like the other OHL players in his NHL draft class, he did not get to play much in his draft year due to the OHL hiatus. However, unlike most of his peers, he didn’t get to return to play immediately with the OHL returning this season. A shoulder injury kept him out of action for the first few months. Upon returning however, he was excellent. He was an integral part of a Championship winning Hamilton Bulldogs team. Not only is he a versatile player because of his strong IQ and two-way competence, but Winterton is also a skilled play driver who can create chances for himself or his linemates. His skating ability looked much improved this past season and he is difficult to separate from the puck as he drives the net and controls the wall. On many occasions, it was difficult to distinguish between Winterton and Mason McTavish (with both having jersey numbers in the 20’s), an excellent complement for the Seattle prospect. The only concern, at this point, is health and longevity. Winterton re-injured his shoulder in the OHL playoffs but should be ready for the start of this coming OHL season. If he can remain healthy, he will be a go-to offensive player on Hamilton and should be in line for a big year. He has a chance to be a really nice middle six option for Seattle in a few years. - BO

8 - Ryker Evans D

The Kraken shocked a lot of people, us included, when they selected Evans early in 2021. He was entering his final year of draft eligibility, and while we expected him to go, it was a bit shocking to see him go that high. However, it is easy to see why the Kraken liked, and continue to like Evans. He has elite level escapability on the back end, which makes him difficult to pin down in the defensive zone. There is a real effectiveness to his ability to start the breakout. Evans, a strong four-way mover, is also solid inside the offensive zone. He moves well laterally and is aggressive in seeking the middle of the ice and rotating down low to help create better puck movement. Evans is also a solid defender who is physically intense and makes opposing forwards earn space against him. Even if his production this year needs to be viewed with the lens that he was an overager, there is no doubting that Seattle has to be happy with his progression at both ends. He will start his pro career this season playing in Coachella Valley and given the state of Seattle’s system, he could move quickly if he plays well. At this point, Evans looks like a future #4-5 defender. - BO

9 - Kole Lind RW

A former WHL star and former high draft pick (33rd overall by Vancouver in 2017), Lind has yet to emerge as a definitive NHL player. After three years in the Vancouver system, Lind was selected by Seattle in the expansion draft. It looked like he would finally crack the NHL full time, but that was not the case as he split the year between the AHL (with Charlotte) and the Kraken. The good news is that Lind had his best professional season yet. The bad news is that his window to become an NHL player is closing fast. He is your classic power forward. He is at his best when he can dominate physically and find his way to the net. He has a big shot and good hands in tight, but also excels as a playmaker coming off the wall. The thing that has been holding him back is his skating ability and quickness. At the NHL level, Lind’s pace just hasn’t been up to par. This coming season Seattle has some openings in their bottom six and Lind is a candidate to grab one of them. Did he put in the work this offseason to improve his ability to keep up? There is still a chance that he can settle into a third line role in the future, but as mentioned, those chances become slimmer with each passing season. - BO

10 - Tucker Robertson C

The 123rd selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Tucker Robertson had a lot to prove this past season being an overager in the OHL, but he quickly found a way to stand out and stayed consistent throughout the year. Robertson had a good rookie season on a stacked Petes team, finishing with 18 points (8G,10A) in 55 games. Unfortunately for Robertson, he missed the 2020-2021 season due to Covid-19, which was most likely a reason why he went undrafted in the 2021 NHL Draft. During the 2021-2022 season, Robertson went on to have a breakout season. He produced 81 points (41G,40A) in 68 games, which was 17th in the league in points, tied for 11th in the league for goals, 2nd on the team in points and assists and 1st on the team in goals. Robertson’s best assets are his competitiveness and puck handling. He plays with a great blend of skill and tenacity, having a bite to his game. He rarely takes a shift off and is always applying great pressure on puck carriers, making it difficult to play against. He’s not afraid to use his body and play physical, but he has the understanding of when it’s appropriate or when he should stay conservative, displaying good discipline. Robertson has the ability to beat opponents one-on-one with his deceptive and quick hands. He’s very strong along the boards and can contain possession for his team when needed, also being very effective in front of the net. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Robertson will be looked at again to be a leader for the Petes and be a top points producer in the league. - DK

11 - Ville Petman

A free agent signing by the Kraken after a breakout season in Liiga that saw Petman lead Saipa in scoring. A competitive two-way winger, his finishing skill and puck skill improved significantly last year.

12 - Jacob Melanson

A physically aggressive power forward, Melanson is a terror on the forecheck. However, his confidence and skill as a goal scorer took a huge step forward last season with Acadie-Bathurst.

13 - Niklas Kokko

A second-round selection by the Kraken in 2022, Kokko is a 6’3 Finnish netminder with good technical skill and improving athleticism. He will attempt to crack Liiga full time this season.

14 - Ville Ottavainen

A massive defender, Ottavainen is coming off his best season in Liiga yet. His mobility continues to improve, and he’s added a physical element to his game now too. He will continue his development in Finland this season.

15 - Tye Kartye

One of the OHL’s leading goal scorers this season, Kartye is a player who relies on his IQ to play in a variety of situations. He is deadly near the net front and the puck seems magnetically drawn to him. Improving his skating will be the focus as he turns pro this year.

16 - Tyson Jugnauth

This offensive defender out of the BCHL has a high ceiling because of his ability to create in transition. He loves to lead the attack. How he defends at higher levels is a mystery, but more will be known after his freshman year at Wisconsin next season.

17 - Semyon Vyazovoy

Vyazovoy was one of the top goalies in the MHL for the second season in a row, a year after being selected by Seattle. The Kraken are hoping that he can finally see some time in a men’s league this season, either the VHL or KHL.

18 - Justin Janicke

A hard-working checking line forward, Janicke’s effort is consistent in all three zones. The Notre Dame winger likely doesn’t have high upside as a pro player but could be a solid role player for the Kraken in the future.

19 - Alexander True

The big Danish center has proven that he can put up big numbers in the AHL, but has had trouble cracking the NHL full time. Is this the year he finally does it?

20 - Peetro Seppala

The Kraken signed Seppala, much like Petman, after a breakout season in Liiga last year. Seppala emerged as one of the top Finnish league’s best defenders and will be given every opportunity to crack Seattle’s roster this year.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: SEATTLE KRAKEN – RANK: #32- TIER VII

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 00:42:47 +0000

Seattle Kraken

#32 Seattle - This system has only 13 eligible prospects. This system can't really be judged on a list like this until at least 2023.

Matthew Beniers. Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

Matthew Beniers

The 2021 season was an extremely impressive one for Beniers, capped off with his selection by the Kraken, their first in franchise history. Even without getting onto the scoresheet with regularity (he was limited to three points in seven games), Beniers was playing in a critical two-way top six role for the United States at the World Junior Championships. He also finished his freshman season with Michigan with one point-per-game, with 14 of his 20 points marked as primary points (goals and first assists).

The allure of Beniers is far more than his offensive production as he projects as a first line, two-way center in the mold of a Jonathan Toews, or a Patrice Bergeron. No matter where he plays as he establishes himself in the NHL, he will be making his linemates better, even if they suck up with accolades. He can play a ‘meat-and-potatoes’ game, being disruptive on the forecheck, and killing the clock on the penalty kill, and he can thrill with skill. He is involved in every play, even if they are not going to directly lead to scoring chances. His speed and ability to enter the offensive zone are also major highlights to his repertoire. It would be ideal to see Beniers return to school for one more year, taking on a more offensive-minded role, and focusing on skills growth. His upside could be first line even without it, but a little bit more creative play will give him a better idea of what he can accomplish before hitting the NHL, and ideally make his professional transition that much smoother. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Will Borgen

The expansion Seattle Kraken, as of the offseason doldrums of August, have five sure thing blueliners that they should feel confident about lining up with game in, game out. Giordano, Larsson, Soucy, Dunn, and Oleksiak are all guaranteed regular minutes. There are six other seasoned pro defenders who seem to be fixing to fight for the #6/7 roles. Lauzon, Carrick, Cholowski, and the Fleury’s, Cale and Haydn, no longer have prospect eligibility, but Borgen does! A 2015 fourth rounder, Borgen was brought along slowly by Buffalo, spending two full seasons in the AHL, honing his stay-at-home game, before finally spending all of last season up with the Sabres, albeit watching from the press box far more often than he got to take the ice.

Like the others (except possibly Carrick) with whom he will be fighting for an NHL job this year, Borgen offers very little offensively. To his credit, though, he has great size, shoots from the right side, is mobile, has shown that he knows how to play within his limitations, and relishes playing the body. The Seattle system is very shallow at present, as they have not had to build up too much depth as they won’t have their own AHL team right away. Borgen is the most NHL-ready who still qualifies for this list. The upside is low, but he could be on their bottom pairing on day one and no one would bat an eye. - RW

Joey Daccord

A relatively anonymous prep school goalie drafted very late in his second year of eligibility, Daccord was the first player of note to play for Arizona State after that institution joined the NCAA ranks in 2015. His numbers improved dramatically year-over-year through his three year stretch on campus, GAA dropping from 4.03 to 3.51 and finally to 2.35, while his save percentage saw a mirroring rise, from .892, to .909, and ending at .926. The Senators promised him an NHL game after signing, but his first full pro season was split between the AHL and ECHL. Daccord got a more prolonged NHL exposure last year, even earning his first win for the Senators, but he hurt his leg in mid-March, ending his season early.

Not that he had done enough by that point to convince Ottawa management that he should be their goalie of the future, but the injury did make it easier for the Sens to give more time between the pipes to the likes of Filip Gustavsson, Marcus Hogberg, and Anton Forsberg, and feel OK about exposing Daccord to the expansion draft. Seattle nabbed him, although with the big money contracts they gave to Philip Grubauer and Chris Driedger, more AHL is in store for Daccord, who will need to stay healthy and turn more of his promise into consistent performance. - RW

Ryan Winterton

Like some other OHL players, Winterton’s only game action this year was at the Under 18’s, where he was impressive in a checking line role for Canada. One of the youngest players available this year (September 4th birthday), Winterton’s physical tools appear to have improved greatly, making him a very intriguing selection by the Kraken in the third round.

Winterton profiles as an extremely versatile player at the next level. He can play any of the forward positions. He can work in the slot or bumper position on the powerplay with his quick hands and size. He can kill penalties because of his strong two-way awareness and ability to get his stick in passing lanes. He can be a support player on a scoring line because of his ability to win battles down low and because of his terrific wrist shot that allows him to finish off chances. He has also shown the ability to play center and lead transitional attacks, backing down defenders and driving the net. Just how much offensive potential Winterton has is the real mystery. At times in his rookie season in the OHL, especially later in the year, Winterton flashed creativity and the ability to create time and space for himself with his hands. However, at the U18’s, he played much more of a North/South, linear game. We should get a better read of what he is capable of in Hamilton this season as the OHL returns. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Ryker Evans

In his second (and final) year of draft eligibility, Regina Pats defender Ryker Evans finished the WHL season as the leader in assists by blueliners with 25 (over an assist per game). Ranked by us at McKeen’s last year, Evans worked hard to improve his skating, the consistency of his physicality, and his reads in the defensive end to be a more complete overall player. This is what made him a high selection by Seattle this year.

He may not be the kind of dynamic skater you want to see from an average sized defender, but he has made some necessary adjustments to his game. What the next step for him is remains to be seen. He could return to the WHL for his overage season, or he could turn pro and play in the AHL with Charlotte, who will be Seattle’s AHL affiliate this season. If he returns to Regina in order to further improve his two-way play and physical tools, Evans has a chance to be one of the WHL’s elite defenders. In terms of a high-end upside, Evans likely profiles as a second or third pairing defender who can also play on the powerplay. As an “older” drafted player, he could move through the system faster than some of Seattle’s other prospects. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Luke Henman

The very first player in history to be signed by the Seattle Kraken, Henman has proven to be an extremely consistent QMJHL player. He is not an elite player, but he is someone who is well rounded and brings a lot to the table. This includes being a terrific leader for Blainville-Boisbriand. He sets an example with his consistency and the excellence of his game in all facets. In addition to being such a complete player, Henman has also led the Armada in scoring the last two seasons.

He may not have the skills to be an impact player in the NHL, however, he executes the small details very well. He is responsible over 200 feet, and he is appreciated by everyone, as much for his qualities as a hockey player as for his qualities as a person. This should lead him to play at least a few games in the NHL at some point. He's still a little slight to face the more rigorous demands of the pro game, but it's something that can be easily improved. He will play in the AHL this coming season and could be a third- or fourth-line winger for the Kraken in a few years. - BB

Alexander True

After three full seasons of pro hockey, there was hope that True could jump to the NHL full-time in 2020-21, but he ended up splitting time between the Sharks (seven games, one point) and the Barracuda (27 games, 20 points). The summer got hectic for True, who went to the World Championships and appeared in seven games for his native Denmark. Then, he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft, returning to the area where he played junior and delivered the championship-winning overtime goal in 2017. On the Kraken, True looks to become a full-time NHLer on a forward corps that certainly figures to have some open slots available to be grabbed in training camp.

True is a typical power forward with a developing set of hands and a mean streak. He saw penalty-killing duties for the Sharks last season and didn’t allow a goal. He utilizes his massive frame well and is starting to round out his offensive skills. His poor skating is probably what kept him from being drafted initially but is being improved. He struggles with discipline, takes far too many minors, and is likely limited in terms of upside at the NHL level, but certainly has the potential to be a full-time bottom of the lineup asset who could contribute on the penalty kill and even as the net-front body on the powerplay. - AS

Kole Lind

Kole Lind has taken a step in each of his first few seasons as a pro, culminating in seven NHL games with the Canucks during the most recent Covid shortened season. His game is that of a power forward where his skill level can surprise a bit. He has very good hands and a heavy shot that make him an offensive weapon. He doesn’t drive play as much as you would like for a player that plays the game like he does.

His skating is fine, but he doesn’t have the pull away speed or the high agility to be a very strong rush player or one on one attacker. His game away from the puck is still a work in progress and he may never improve enough on that side of the puck to make him a lock for consistent NHL minutes. He has shown that he can help offensively though and if he was paired with a defensively sound center, he could perhaps fit into a middle six role that suits his game more than a bottom six role would. He should get a great chance to open the year in the NHL on a new Seattle team looking to unearth a few gems in a bottom six role. - VG

Justin Janicke

Janicke’s role with the USNTDP was always as a bottom six forward, grinding, competing in board battles, and making sure that the opponent doesn’t have an easy time when his more skilled teammates were on the ice. He can get a second gear to push defenders back, is a creative passer, and has a decent shot release to boot. He might be able to produce more if given a bigger role and will try to earn one when he joins his older brother, Anaheim prospect Trevor, at Notre Dame this season.

Sometimes players like Janicke can be underutilized on the US U18 team, masking their true potential as offensive players as they conform to the role they are asked to play. While Janicke likely develops into a potential checking line player for the Kraken, there is a chance that his offensive skill set continues to improve at a quality program like Notre Dame. The answer to “what is Janicke’s high end upside,” likely is not answered any time soon as he probably spends at least three years in college before making the jump to the professional ranks. As mentioned, Justin will simply try to establish himself as a useful rotation player this coming season before earning greater trust. - - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Ville Ottavainen

Selected by Seattle in his second year of draft eligibility, Ottavainen had a much better 2020/21 season after returning home to Finland after playing the year prior for Kitchener in the OHL. With Kitchener, Ottavainen was limited to more of a depth role because of the depth of the Rangers and it prevented him from really showcasing his talents. Playing in the JYP program this past season, Ottavainen split the year between their U20 team and the main Liiga club.

One of the main reasons that Ottavainen put himself back on the scouting map was that he was able to improve his skating, in particular his explosiveness in all four directions. A big (6’4) right shot defender, Ottavainen's lack of power limited his effectiveness offensively and defensively playing with Kitchener in the OHL during his draft year. But, by making improvements to his skating, he was able to play with significantly more confidence back home in Finland. A potential two-way defender, with the potential to still develop into a powerplay quarterback, Ottavainen will remain in Finland again, where he will look to play a larger role in Liiga this coming season. He remains a long-term project, but the growth shown thus far remains encouraging. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Jacob Melanson

Injuries have really hurt the development of the hard hitting, power forward thus far in his young career. A combination of upper body injuries and a trade demand limited him to only 18 games in his draft year, but his finish to the year with Acadie-Bathurst was strong. He could be a breakout candidate in 2021.

Semyon Vyazovoi

A sixth rounder by the Kraken this year (the team’s inaugural draft), Vyazovoi performed well in the MHL this past year, posting the third best save percentage in the league. He will continue his development in Russia this season and is most definitely a longer-term project for the organization.

Carsen Twarynski

Selected from the Philadelphia Flyers organization, this former Kelowna Rockets (WHL) star has had difficulty putting up any sort of offensive numbers at the pro level the last three seasons. However, he does have NHL experience, can bring a physical element, and competes hard. He is a possible short-term solution in the bottom six until Seattle fills out their depth.

2021 NHL DRAFT: PACIFIC DIVISION REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:13:36 +0000

2021 NHL Draft Review

Time to review the draft, in depth. As I have done in previous seasons, this review will cover the league one division at a time. For each team, we will offer a quick summary of their draft class, a deeper look at their first pick/first rounder(s), and then a look at what we think to be the best value pick of their draft class, and a final look at their worst value pick. Once the divisions have all been covered, a final article will go over some other miscellaneous trends of the draft that was (odds & ends), and the annual McKeens shadow draft class. Let’s dig in.

Pacific Division

Mason McTavish. Photo Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Anaheim Ducks

1 (3) Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/ Peterborough (OHL)

2 (34) Olen Zellweger, D, Everett (WHL)

3 (66) Sasha Pastujov, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

3 (76) Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)

4 (98) Josh Lopina, C, UMass (NCAA/Hockey East)

5 (130) Sean Tschiegerl, LW, Calgary (WHL)

5 (148) Gage Alexander, G, Winnipeg (WHL)

6 (162) Kyle Kukkonen, C, Maple Grove HS (USHS-MN)

Going into Day One of the draft, it was widely considered that Buffalo would select Owen Power first overall. If not a lock, it was over 90% certain. With the second pick, it was again generally assumed that Seattle would tab Power’s Michigan teammate Matthew Beniers, as their first ever draft pick. Less certain that Power at #1, but still in the 75-80% range. So, we presumed, like many, that the mystery of the draft would really begin to unravel with Anaheim at third overall. The smart money was on a forward, but which one? There were a few that were reasonable candidates for the pick, including William Eklund, Dylan Guenther, Mason McTavish, and even the third Michigan draft eligible, Kent Johnson. I picked McTavish in my mock drafts, but I was never more than 50% sure that was the pick. Maybe even 40%. I ended up correct in that assumption, and now Anaheim has a high-end finisher for the future to go along with the two future faces of the franchise in the playmaker (Zegras) and the puck rusher (Drysdale). The Ducks won’t re-emerge from the wilderness with that one pick, but the core of a future powerhouse is being built.

Anaheim’s eight picks this year skewed towards the offensive, with five forwards, complemented by two blueliners and a goalie. The forwards all have strong histories of offensive production, with a clear lean towards goal scoring over play creation. To be honest, even the two defenders they selected each have promising offensive track records on their respective resumes. The other interesting trend spotted was their reliance on North American talent, with all either being raised on this side of the planet. Sure, McTavish spent time this year in Switzerland, what with the OHL not happening – he was even born in Switzerland, when his father was playing there – but his game was formed and developed in Canada. Also interesting, on a more personal level, for the first time in a while, the Ducks did not draft a player with ties to the Chicago Steel.

First pick – Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/Peterborough Petes (OHL), 3^rd overall

A high-profile prospect from early youth, McTavish wowed OHL watchers as a rookie in 2019-20, scoring 29 goals in 57 games before the pandemic brought an early end to the season. After waiting for a stretch last year in the hopes that the OHL would be able to start, he finally gave up on that dream and returned to Switzerland, the land of his birth, to play with fellow OHL prospect Brennan Othmann at second division Olten. McTavish showed zero difficulties lighting it up overseas as well, scoring nine goals in 13 games. His season proceeded to the WU18s, where he captained Canada to a Gold, and led with his production as much as his example, with 11 points in seven games. Not the fastest, he nonetheless gets going quickly and his hands contain magic. A full season back in the OHL should be enough to ready him for the NHL. He has first line upside and high top six probability. “Zegras to McTavish for the goal” will be heard regularly over the next few years in Orange County.

Best value pick(s) –Sean Tschigerl, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), 130^th overall

I considered third rounder Pastujov, another pure goal scorer here, but his lack of foot speed helped him fall to where Anaheim picked him. Tschigerl, on the other hand, had less reason to still be on the board in the fifth round. Once the fourth overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft, he struggled as a WHL rookie, but came on in the short season last year, with a goal-heavy point-per-game performance for the Hitmen. Although prone to a few too many mental mistakes, his physical tools all show middle six promise, and his general intensity will help him find a role as a bottom six contributor if he falls short of his ceiling. He is one of the higher probability picks you are bound to find in the fifth round.

Worst value pick – Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), 76^th overall

Hinds is certainly an intriguing prospect, with great size, albeit in need of muscular development. He has a big point shot and can be tough to play against in his own zone, given his strength, reach, and intensity, but there are enough questions about his mobility, puck managements, and decisions making, that the risk attached to his profile would dissuade me from picking earlier than the fifth round. If the Hinds and Tschigerl picks were reversed, we would have seen more logic. As is, Anaheim gets both, so all is good.

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

Calgary Flames

1 (13) Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago (USHL)

2 (45) William Stromgren, LW, MODO Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)

3 (77) Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

3 (89) Cameron Whynot, D, Halifax (QMJHL)

5 (161) Cole Jordan, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

6 (168) Jack Beck, LW/RW, Ottawa (OHL)

6 (173) Lucas Ciona, LW, Seattle (WHL)

7 (205) Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport (NAHL)

For the third year in a row, the Flames used their first-round pick on a scoring forward, with Harvard-bound Matthew Coronato following the footsteps of CHL’ers Jakob Pelletier and Connor Zary. It some ways, for the floundering club, it is a mildly implicit suggestion that they recognize that the run with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan at the top of the lineup will soon be coming to an end – that is if they don’t simply trade one in the run up to the 2021-22 season. Obviously, the NHL is not like the NFL or NBA where drafted players step right into the lineup and assume the roles they were selected for. Zary could plausibly play in the NHL next year, having spent some time in the AHL last year while the WHL plotted its return to the ice. Pelletier has completed his junior hockey eligibility, and will play professionally, although he never has before, and seems likely to at least spend some time on the farm before being considered for the NHL. Finally, 2021 first rounder Coronato will be heading from the USHL to Harvard, where I would expect him to spend three years, as very few go to Harvard for shorter stints. So, the turnover in Calgary promises to be gradual.

As for the rest of the Flames’ 2021 draft class, it was very North American-centric, with only second-rounders William Stromgren having spent the entirety of his development in Europe. Like Anaheim above, Calgary’s picks also leaned towards the offensive, with five forwards, and then adding in two defenders and finishing things off with a netminder. Each CHL league was represented, as were the top two development tracks in the US. Height may not have been a factor, but five of the seven skaters selected were 6-1” or taller, and one of the shorter ones, Coronato is pretty well-built and stocky for his 5-10” height.

First round pick – Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago Steel (USHL), 13^th overall

As mentioned above, the pick of Coronato will require some time before Calgary sees the fruits of his development, as not only is he college-bound, but he is headed for premier Ivy League school Harvard. The most skillful offensive weapon in the USHL last year, where he led the league in goals on his way to being named the league’s forward of the year. He can beat you with his wheels, featuring both speed and impressive agility, his whippy and powerful shot, or his playmaking ability. The main area of development he needs to improve before turning pro is in utilizing his linemates more readily in the offensive zone and spending less time trying to win shifts by himself. He has great talent, but without quicker puck touches he will be less successful at the higher levels. He has first line upside.

Best value pick – Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL), 205^th overall

The NAHL is oft overlooked as a source of talent, except when it comes to goalies. Sergeyev, who backstopped Shreveport to a Robertson Cup title last year, came over from Russia two seasons ago, coming a long way both literally and figuratively. He has ideal size, promising athleticism, and reads the game well. Like Coronato, he will be a long-term project, expected to move to the USHL for one year starting now, and then on to the University of Connecticut, to be bested against the NCAA. His trajectory is exciting, and Calgary was fortunate to grab him with their final selection.

Worst value pick – Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL, 77^th overall

Calgary did well to get value with every pick they made, including this one. We chose Huckins simply because we think he is overvalued due to his size and being a key player on one of the QMJHL’s strongest teams last season. He is hard to play against, but his feet are heavier than I prefer, and we think he profiles as more of a fourth line presence with hopefully just enough skill in his hands to be able to take on a net-front role at his peak. That is absolutely worth a draft pick, but we would have been far more interested in Huckins one or two rounds later.

Xavier Bourgault. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL

Edmonton Oilers

1 (22) Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

3 (90) Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20)

4 (116) Jake Chiasson, RW, Brandon (WHL)

6 (180) Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL)

6 (186) Shane LaChance, LW, Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)

7 (212) Max Wanner, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

In the not too distant past, when the Oilers were in the midst of a seemingly endless run of futility, those who didn’t follow the draft closely sometimes publicly wondered how the team could keep losing, even though they had some high-end talents on the roster. This extended to the early days of Connor McDavid’s career, so it wasn’t just people overestimating the likes of Adam Larsson. It took analysts who understood the draft to see that the team repeatedly failed in the most abject ways possible on literally every pick out of the first round. Between 2007 – 2014, the team drafted only eight players who have reached 100 games played in the NHL. With the exception of Erik Gustafsson, who never even signed with Edmonton, much less played for them, none of those eight were impact players. The team was drafting skill in the first, and size and grit in all latter rounds.

Edmonton hasn’t received much out of the first round since 2014 either, but they did sometimes seem to be drafting for skill with later picks, such as the selections in 2020 of Carter Savoie and Tyler Tullio in the fourth and fifth rounds. Unfortunately, their 2021 draft class looks to be typical of their lean years. First rounder Xavier Bourgault looks like areal keeper. Of the other five players they selected, all position players, they are more notable for being large, than having NHL skillsets. The ongoing experience of the Oilers of the last 15+ years has done more to convince me that NHL teams should draft for skill in all rounds than has the continued success of teams that have followed that advice, like Tampa Bay.

First round pick – Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), 22^nd overall

Not a high-end prospect in his QMJHL draft year, Bourgault has worked hard to raise his game in his time in the QMJHL, where he has emerged as a legit offensive weapon, playing with speed, skill, and just as important, consistency. While Bourgault does not at all resemble Edmonton’s 2020 first rounder, the wrecking ball named Dylan Holloway, he is the type of forward who would benefit from the room created in the offensive zone by the likes of Holloway. His game is well-rounded, and his versatility will help him grab a toe hold on an NHL job sooner than later, while he works his way up to an eventual top six role.

Best value pick – Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL), 180^th overall

If there is any upside past Bourgault in Edmonton’s draft class, it resides in Petrov. The numbers thus far in his career have been only moderate, but there are some markers in his game that suggest better things to come. He skates quite well for his size, has a strong shot with a knack for finishing, and he puts his strength to good use in puck battles. We will need to see how he handles a move up to senior hockey in Russia, but more than any of the other Day Two picks made by Edmonton, Petrov could wind up as more than NHL roster filler.

Worst value pick – Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20), 90^th overall

The top draft prospect out of Germany this year, Munzenberger did not make anyone forget about last year’s trio of Stutzle, Reichel, and Peterka. There are things to like in his profile. He is a big man who skates well and can be physical in his defensive stops. Unfortunately, due to COVID shutdowns in Germany, Munzenberger barely played this year, with his time with Germany’s WJC squad representing just shy of half of all of his annual game action. He looked like a reasonable gamble for the bottom two rounds. The third round was just way too high. Heading to North America to play collegiately for Vermont this year, I will be looking to see him play with greater poise with the puck and looking for competence in his own end.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 28: Canada's Brandt Clarke #5 shoots the puck against Latvia in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 28, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Los Angeles Kings

1 (8) Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie (OHL)

2 (42) Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener (OHL)

2 (59) Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga)

3 (84) Kirill Kirsanov, D, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

The Kings were not the only team to make four or fewer picks at the draft this year. They were, however, the only team to finish making selections before the draft was halfway through. The traded away a fifth rounder in order to move up in the second. They added an additional second round pick from Carolina in in exchange for picks in the third and fourth rounds. Their sixth rounder was sent to Calgary in order to move up five spots in the third. Their seventh pick was dealt away during the 2020 draft, another cost of moving up back then. The end result is a draft class that makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity. One could argue that they could have kept at least some of those late picks and possibly still drafted the players they targeted when they moved up, but there are no guarantees. The fact is that LA has one of the deepest and richest prospect pipelines in the sport, one we are ranking third overall in this year’s Annual Guidebook (buy it now!) So, adding a few more lottery tickets won’t really move the needle. The four players LA drafted this year all have a good chance to rise above the players already in the system and be impactful when the Kings are ready once again to compete.

First pick – Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie Colts (OHL), 8^th overall

One of the top tier of defenders available this year, Clarke took his game to Slovakia as the OHL was still unsure of whether it could have a season at all. As it turned out, he made the correct decision. Playing against men in Europe, even though Slovakia is not the top level of competition on the continent, proved that he could succeed against men, even if his skating is not exactly a strength. Clarke plays with extreme poise and top-of-the-line puck skills for a defender. Unlike many teenaged offensive defenders, his game away from the puck is notably responsible. I don’t think he will need to be sheltered once he gets accustomed to the pace of play in the NHL. He is a play driver who makes his teams better, as he demonstrated repeatedly for Gold Medal winning Team Canada at the WU18s. Clarke is a future #1 defender on a good team in the NHL.

Best value pick – Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener Rangers (OHL), 42^nd overall

One of the better players left on the board after the end of the first round, Los Angeles did well to trade up to draft him, losing only a fifth round pick to move up seven spots. As with Clarke, there are those who have concerns about Pinelli’s skating, but no one argues about his results. He plays a smart East-West offensive game, forechecks hard and heavy – albeit clean – finds open space and capitalizes. He has remarkably soft hands and creates for others just as well as he can finish the play himself. There are many successful forwards in the NHL who produce at high rates without having the quickest feet. There is nothing to suggest that Pinelli can’t join them.

Worst value pick – Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga), 59^th overall

LOL. Helenius is actually a very good pick, who profiles similarly to a Brian Boyle. He’s huge and has the toughness and hand-eye coordination to be a very useful net front weapon. Like the others discussed above – as well as third rounder Kisakov – Helenius is not a great skater. He is fine for his gargantuan size, but his success has not been, and will not be predicated on speed. He projects as a bottom six forward who can kill penalties, and make defenses miserable, with both center and the wing as options. He isn’t just big, but he has a mean streak, too, like his father Sami Helenius, a tough stay-at-home defender in the NHL, AHL and IHL around the turn of the century.

Djurgården's William Eklund during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Djurgården and Skellefteå on 16 November 2020 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN /

San Jose Sharks

1 (7) William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

3 (81) Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia (OHL)

4 (103) Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria (WHL)

4 (121) Ethan Cardwell, C, Surahammars IF (HockeyEttan)/Barrie (OHL)

5 (135) Artem Guryev, D, Peterborough (OHL)

5 (156) Max McCue, C, London (OHL)

6 (167) Liam Gilmartin, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

6 (177) Theo Jacobsson, C, Onskoldsvik HF (HockeyEttan)

7 (199) Evgenii Kashnikov, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

After a 2020 draft class that we adored, with a few exceptions, our feelings on San Jose’s 2021 draft class were not nearly so positive. Of course, the primary exceptions were with their top picks, still giving the Sharks a good chance at a very positive outcome from this year’s amateur scouting efforts. This class is split evenly with four forwards and four defenders, along with one netminder. The team drafted heavily from Ontario-based players, with three taken who did not play any league games at all last year – one of whom did get to play for Canada at the WU18s – and one who many, including ourselves, thought would have been drafted last year, but went to play in Sweden with the OHL failing to launch this year. Even the team’s one player drafted out of the USHL has since committed to moving to the OHL next year. The rest of the class featured two Swedish players, and one each from the QMJHL and the WHL. I also found funny that the player they selected out of the QMJHL was an import from Russia, joining fellows Russian-natives playing in the Q drafted/signed by San Jose including Vladislav Kotkov and Artemi Knyazev.

The main reason we are not so high on the San Jose draft class – again, not counting the exceptions – is the team went heavy on gritty players, even if three of the eight skaters they drafted were not big. Too often, they sacrificed upside for floor, taking players who play hard instead of ones who play well. Eklund turning into the star we expect will allow many to forget the players from this class who fail to make it, but I try to look at draft classes as the expected potential across all picks. Failing with a top ten pick would be a career ending tragedy for a scout and the scouting director, but the ability to add viable NHL contributors with later picks is often the difference between building sustainable winners, and perennial losers.

First round pick – William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL), 7^th overall

A few years ago, a player of Eklund’s pedigree and resume would be pushed to the NHL immediately after the draft, for good or ill. Forget for a moment his success playing against men already, but just from a tools standpoint. There may not have been a more skilled player in the 2021 draft class, and there wasn’t a player with higher hockey IQ. The skills-smarts combo has daylight between Eklund and the next player up with that profile. Even though the Sharks are expected to keep him in Sweden for another year, he is probably the second-best left winger in their system right now, depending on how we feel about Evander Kane. I fully expect Eklund to have a huge season with Djurgardens and come to the NHL ready to take over and lead San Jose out of their current doldrums.

Best value pick – Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting (OHL), 81^st overall

We had tabbed Gaudreau as the number three netminder in the draft, the best behind the two first round locks. The fact that Kolosov went to the Flyers three picks before San Jose drafted Gaudreau is incidental, because we gave Gaudreau second round value, and high second round at that. Of course, he has risk attached to his profile, as do all goalies. He struggled in his OHL rookie season, backstopping a mediocre Sarnia club. And then he missed the entire 2020-21 season due to the COVID shutdown in Ontario. But when the U18s rolled around, he was there, backstopping Canada to a Gold Medal, and being named the top goaltender in the tournament. We then remember that he was though highly enough of to be a top ten pick in the OHL Priority Selection two seasons ago and know that hie performance at the tournament was not merely a flash in the pan. He receives very high grades for his temperament and his ability to read the play. There is a very good chance that Gaudreau is the best goalie drafted by San Jose since Thomas Greiss in 2004.

Worst value pick – Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria Royals (WHL), 103^rd overall

This one was pretty far off the radar, at least in the early fourth round. Laroque was never drafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, and his debut season in the league was unspectacular. He had put up decent numbers in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (Canada’s equivalent of the New England prep scene, but not nearly as established), but his high-level experience was minimal, and unremarkable. Our BC analyst, Arlo Shultz, saw a defender whose only trait that projected as above average was his physical game. Clearly, San Jose’s scouts liked him, and that’s fine, but they most likely could have drafted him a round or two later. He has a very long way to go before being billed as a likely NHL’er.

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Michigan's Matty Beniers in action during their loss to Notre Dame, 2-1, Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Michigan's Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire)

Seattle Kraken

1 (2) Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

2 (35) Ryker Evans, D, Regina (WHL)

3 (67) Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton (OHL)

4 (99) Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga)

5 (131) Jacob Melanson, RW, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

6 (163) Semyon Vyazovy, G, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

7 (195) Justin Janicke, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

And so, it begins. As much intrigue as there was in the Kraken’s expansion draft picks, the future of this newest NHL franchise begins with the entry draft. Matthew Beniers will be far more impactful on the eventual success of the organization than any player selected in the expansion draft. The challenge we face in assessing their first go-round selecting amateurs, is to avoid comparing their draft haul with Vegas’ when the latter was a first-time drafter. Seattle did not make any expansion draft side deals, nor any other trades to increase the number of picks they would make, unlike Vegas, which made 12 picks in their inaugural draft. So, we will compare this draft class with the other 32 classes made this year, instead of the Golden Knights in 2017.

But it doesn’t matter what we compare this draft class with, it is underwhelming. Sure, their top pick, second overall selection Matthew Beniers is a franchise maker. The absolute correct choice, and a player who could be for Seattle what Jonathan Toews was for Chicago, or Patrice Bergeron was in Boston. Unfortunately, Beniers was not at all representative of the rest of Seattle’s picks. The team spread their choices geographically, with no more than a single player from any region. They were not afraid of drafting re-draft players, with two fitting that description. They weren’t even concerned with size, with two players standing below 6-0”, and one other just making it. Production seems to have been a factor, but not exclusively, as third rounder Winterton had no history of high scoring totals, and it had been two years since seventh rounder Janicke was lighting lamps with regularity in high school. I think Seattle could have, and should have, done more, but this is just the beginning. We’ll keep watching them

First pick – Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA/Big 10), 2^nd overall

Before the World Championships, I would have advocated for Beniers to go first overall and had been advocated as such for much of last year, but that year-ending tournament showed that Power was more ready to play a commanding lead role against men. His teammate Beniers, on the other hand, can contribute in any role, in every shift, from beginning of the season to the end, but not necessarily in a leading role. At least, not yet. The epitome of a five-tool player, Beniers, is a strong skater, has good offensive skills, highlighted by amazing puck control, and he always makes the right decisions, no matter the pace of the action. He brings energy to every shift, in all zones. He drives play for his team and helps shut down the plays of his opponents. With all due respect to Power, if this draft had one player to start a franchise with, Beniers was it.

Best value pick – Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL), 67^th overall

Although highly touted as a 16-year-old, to the extent that Hamilton selected him eighth overall in the OHL Priority Selection, Winterton was only scratching the surface of his potential as an OHL rookie, and then saw his development hit a brick wall also known as COVID 19. He had not played at all last year until being named to Canada’s roster at the WU18 tournament, where he had a few memorable moments in a depth role for the Gold Medal winners. He has good size, reads the play well, and has soft hands. Despite not owning any high-end skills, his overall game is well-rounded, and he can contribute in a number of ways. Very young for this draft class, with an early September birthdate, he could have more growth in his game than most others who were drafted. He may not profile as more than a solid third liner but was still fine value in the third round.

Worst value pick – Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga), 99^th overall

Passed over in the draft in his first year of eligibility, while playing for Kitchener in the OHL, Ottovainen went back home to Finland with the OHL season not able to get started this year. His year was then split between JYP’s senior and U20 teams, with a brief stretch in Finland’s second league thrown in for good measure. He was fantastic against juniors but was largely ineffective against men. Both are no more and no less than was expected, but we mark him as a lower value pick because he didn’t impress all that much in 2019-20 and didn’t force us to re-evaluate him that much this year. None of his tools, excepting his large size, stand out as NHL-worthy. It’s hard to see more than up-and-down value at best. Not sure that he couldn’t have been drafted with a later round pick if they really liked him.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 27: Belarus's Danila Klimovich #20 controls the puck against Switzerland's Lilian Garessus #22 in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 27, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Vancouver Canucks

2 (41) Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya)

5 (137) Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

5 (140) Jonathan Myrenberg, D, Linkoping J20 (J20 Nationell)

6 (169) Hugo Gabrielsson, D, Halmstad Hammers HC (HockeyEttan)

6 (178) Connor Lockhart, C, Erie (OHL)

7 (201) Lucas Forsell, LW, Farjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)

This was a very Euro-centric draft. The only North American based player the Canucks selected, sixth rounder Connor Lockhart, didn’t even play last year. Not just Euro-centric, though, fully half of Vancouver’s picks were from Sweden, a region that the team has drafted from frequently, and often successfully. Considering that they had only one pick prior to the fifth round, this draft class holds promise. The Canucks drafted with potential in mind, not worried too much about size.

Beyond the Swedish lean, if there was something the Canucks targeted with all of their later round picks, it seems to have been hockey IQ. In fact, the most mistake-prone, or “unreliable” player they selected was their lone early pick, Klimovich, who just happens to be insanely skilled. Even if those later picks have marginal upsides – being late round picks and all – they all look like prospects who should maximize the tools they possess. This is the second year in a row that Vancouver missed out on some early round picks, and given their approach to the later rounds, it would be good to see how they would act with a full complement of picks.

First pick – Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya), 41^st overall

Klimovich was the most prominent late riser on draft boards, going from obscurity to emergency for all teams after an electrifying performance at the WU18s. He is a gifted finisher, capable of scoring through numerous ways and means. He can pick small holes from near the faceoff circles or bamboozle defenders with slick puck play. The main concern with Klimovich’s projection is that he very little experience playing high levels, but he has succeeded wherever he has played. The Canucks have already given him a contract, and the next question is where he plays next year. Rouyn-Noranda controls his CHL rights, and they seem to have one open spot for an import player. That might be his best bet, as Klimovich needs a new challenge, and he might as well start acclimating to the North American game.

Best value pick – Connor Lockhart, C, Erie Otters (OHL), 178^th overall

In a draft that valued size more than it should have been valued, Lockhart was bound to fall lower than his skill suggested. Listed at 5-9”, 161, he wasn’t going to excite anyone looking for brawn, but there is no reason why he should have fallen as far as the late sixth round. Promising enough to be selected third overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, he had acclimated to the OHL as a rookie in 2019-20. Outside of his physical presence, the rest of his tools have shown intriguing potential. It is probable, if not certain, that he would have been drafted as much as two rounds higher if the OHL had a season last year, so I could be charitable and say that every NHL team passed on him as much as twice more than they should have, allowing Vancouver to draft a skilled sleeper.

Worst value pick – Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 137^th overall

A big netminder who forced his way into HIFK’s U20 team in his age 16 season, Koskenvuo is committed to play for Harvard in the coming years – although seemingly not next year – generally a sign of intelligence. His tools all seem fine, especially his athleticism, but we did not rank him as higher than a seventh-round flyer as his numbers have simply never been that good. He resembles a good young goalie, but he really needs to find a way to spot more shots, with greater regularity. Had the Canucks inverted the Lockhart and Koskenvuo picks, I would have had a very hard time picking any of their selections as “worst value pick.”

Vegas Golden Knights

1 (30) Zach Dean, C, Gatineau (QMJHL)

2 (38) Daniil Chayka, D, CSKA Moskva (KHL)/Guelph (OHL)

4 (102) Jakub Brabanec, C/LW, HC Kometa Brno (Czech)

4 (128) Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

6 (190) Artur Cholach, D, Sokol Kiev (Ukraine)

7 (222) Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Like with Vancouver above, the Golden Knights had a very Euro-centric draft, with only first rounder Zach Dean having played in North America last year. Unlike Vancouver, Vegas spread the wealth in Europe though, with picks from Russia, Czech, Slovakia, Ukraine(!!!), and Sweden. At least three of those European draftees are expected to play CHL hockey next year. Another area where Vegas separated themselves from their division mates from a town starting with the letter ‘V’, was in their push to draft big players. They didn’t draft anyone below 6-0” and added three players to the organization standing 6-4”.

To Vegas’ credit, while drafting for size, skill was not neglected. This isn’t simply a collection of goons on skates. Chayka showed serious two-way potential over two seasons in the OHL. Brabanec probably wasn’t ready for men’s hockey in the Czech Republic last year, but he looked impressive at the WU18s. Demec has produced at all levels in Slovakia. Even Ukrainian Cholach – the first Ukrainian drafted since 2007 – has admirers for his game, even if has never played at high levels before. Goalies are judged differently, but Lindbom was the primary netminder for Sweden’s Bronze Medal win at last year’s WU18s.

First pick – Zach Dean, C, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL), 30^th overall

A well-rounded forward with plus pedigree in junior hockey, Dean has not yet produced offense to live up to his potential in the QMJHL. He can play in all situations and generally seems to be in the right place at the right time. The main concern with his profile, and why we saw him as more of an early second rounder than a late first rounder, is the aforementioned production. He looks like a medium term NHLer, one who could play as a good third line center on a competitive team, but who would be miscast in a top six role. If he takes that next step offensively, we would be happy to reconsider his upside, but his approach has scarcely budged in two years now.

Best value pick – Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), 222^nd overall

With the third last pick of the draft, Vegas got Sweden’s top 2003-born goaltender prospect. Younger brother of Rangers’ goaltending prospect Olof Lindbom, Carl has a similar profile, yet his older brother was a high second round pick and Carl lasted until very late in the seventh round. He is an athletic battler who reads plays well and is technically sound in his crease. He isn’t likely to become an NHL starter, but he wouldn’t look out of place as a solid backup if he maintains he developmental trajectory.

Worst value pick – Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

Sure, even though Demek was taken in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, a deeper look at his profile suggests that size is his main factor driving his desirability. His production for Slovakia’s U18 team, which plays a regular schedule in that nation’s second division was meagre, and an honest assessment of his tools suggest that his production has been on par with his skill set. He is more notable for his work off the puck than on, so we are left looking at a forward with fourth line upside, but more who hasn’t yet proven that he can play pro in Slovakia, much less in North America.

2021 NHL DRAFT: SEATTLE KRAKEN REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:52:04 +0000

Seattle Kraken

1 (2) Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

2 (35) Ryker Evans, D, Regina (WHL)

3 (67) Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton (OHL)

4 (99) Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga)

5 (131) Jacob Melanson, RW, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

6 (163) Semyon Vyazovy, G, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

7 (195) Justin Janicke, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

First pick – Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA/Big 10), 2^nd overall

Best value pick – Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL), 67^th overall

Worst value pick – Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga), 99^th overall