Ville Ottavainen – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #8 Seattle Kraken – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 13:00:15 +0000

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)

In their third year in the league, the Seattle Kraken took a step back from a 100-point season finishing with 83 points, and another high draft pick at number eight overall. The franchises early success in making the playoffs in its second year, and then pushing through to the second-round last season meant a late draft pick at 20th overall. They selected McKeen’s 140th ranked prospect in Eduard Sale. While the addition of another high pick is welcome, it cost the only head coach they have known in Dave Hakstol his job, and subsequently replaced by Dan Bylsma. GM Ron Francis felt a new voice was needed. “Too many losing streaks and losing streaks of significant numbers” was his explanation at the end of season press conference. Francis has largely stayed away from significant trades and building classically through the draft. Without providing additional firepower to Hakstol, perhaps it was inevitable they would regress from a remarkable 2022-23.

As a result of that strategy, they have the 8th ranked prospect pool in the NHL, more notable for its depth than its high-end pieces. The teams top 12 prospects all rank within our top 200. They have five in the top 100 led by Shane Wright at 21st, who may/or may not hit the superstar potential he was once touted for. Wright improved last season and looks ready for a prolonged look in the NHL and provide a one-two punch with Matty Beniers for years to come. Second round pick Jagger Firkus was the WHL’s leading scorer, and may be a year or two away, but the offensive winger will fit in on the Kraken’s top six in due course. Francis has five picks in the first three rounds of this upcoming draft, and it is likely too early to draw any conclusions on the success of the scouting and development team, but there are some encouraging signs.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Shane Wright	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	`22(4th)	59	22	25	47	18
					Seattle (NHL)	`22(4th)	8	4	1	5	0
2	Jagger Firkus	RW	20	5-10/155	Moose Jaw (WHL)	`22(35th)	63	61	65	126	30
3	Carson Rehkopf	LW	19	6-1/195	Kitchener (OHL)	`23(50th)	60	52	43	95	45
4	Jani Nyman	RW	19	6-3/215	Ilves (Fin-Liiga)	`22(49th)	48	26	17	43	2
5	David Goyette	C	20	5-10/175	Sudbury (OHL)	`22(61st)	68	40	77	117	29
6	Ryker Evans	D	22	5-11/190	Seattle (NHL)	`21(35th)	36	1	8	9	20
					Coachella Valley (AHL)	`21(35th)	25	2	13	15	28
7	Ty Nelson	D	20	5-10/195	North Bay (OHL)	`22(68th)	54	16	36	52	50
8	Eduard Sale	LW	19	6-1/170	Bar-Kit (OHL)	`23(20th)	49	15	23	38	8
9	Niklas Kokko	G	20	6-3/185	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	`22(58th)	13	9	0	1.49	0.926
				6-3/185	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	`22(58th)	10	2	5	2.36	0.906
10	Ryan Winterton	RW	20	6-2/190	Coachella Valley (AHL)	`21(67th)	58	22	13	35	23
				6-2/190	Seattle (NHL)	`21(67th)	9	0	0	0	0
11	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	C	19	6-0/165	HV 71 (SHL)	`23(52nd)	50	9	12	21	6
12	Lukas Dragicevic	D	19	6-1/190	Tri-City (WHL)	`23(57th)	66	14	36	50	52
13	Logan Morrison	C	21	6-0/180	Coachella Valley (AHL)	FA(4/23)	64	16	25	41	4
				6-0/180	Seattle (NHL)	FA(4/23)	4	0	0	0	0
14	Caden Price	D	18	6-0/185	Kelowna (WHL)	`23(84th)	62	13	42	55	48
15	Ville Ottavainen	D	21	6-5/210	Coachella Valley (AHL)	`21(99th)	70	8	26	34	30

1. Shane Wright, C, Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL)

Has Shane Wright lived up to the hype that is usually attached to former CHL exceptional status players? Most would argue no. However, he’s still a top-notch NHL prospect who has had a very solid first professional season. He had a particularly strong second half with Coachella Valley and has subsequently earned a successful call up to Seattle to end the year. The real difference in Wright’s improved play has been his adjustment to the pace of the pro game. Later in the year, he began to use his speed more to his advantage, with and without the puck, and the results were terrific. This has always been something inconsistently applied and hindered his production. Of course, he remains a highly intelligent pivot with a high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. While the likelihood that Wright will become a superstar, as once predicted, has decreased, he is still a potential long-time contributor in Seattle’s top six; the one/two punch of Beniers and Wright remains tantalizing.

2. Jagger Firkus, RW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

The leading scorer in the WHL this year, Firkus had a tremendous season with Moose Jaw. The former high second round selection has developed according to plan as a dominant offensive player. He is an elite manager of the game who can keep the puck on a string and who manages to work inside consistently despite being on the smaller side. Over his WHL career, he’s worked hard to improve his strength on the puck to increase his chances of becoming a top-notch offensive contributor at the NHL level. In a nutshell, he is the complete package as an offensive player, and he has the upside to be a point per game player in the NHL. Next year, he will turn pro and what that means remains to be seen. The smart prediction would have him spending the majority of a year in the AHL, just as former WHL standout Logan Stankoven did this year. However, don’t count out Firkus from making an impact at the NHL level at some point.

3. Carson Rehkopf, LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

While Carson Rehkopf wasn’t quite able to sustain the blistering pace he started the year with, it was a very positive draft plus one year for him with Kitchener. An emerging OHL star, Rehkopf has so many intriguing physical tools. The size and skating combination makes him very tough to stop in motion, however, he’s also very strong on the puck making him difficult to stop down low. Opposing defenses need to key in on him away from the puck because of his high-end shooting ability. He can really rifle the puck, and this makes him a monster weapon on the powerplay on the flank where he can cleanly one-time pucks past netminders. The next step is to continue to improve his engagement level as a two-way, physical player. This would help him truly dominate in all fashions and make him a top NHL prospect.

4. Jani Nyman, RW, Ilves (Liiga)

It seems like most of the Kraken’s top prospects progressed terrifically and Nyman certainly falls under that category. He exploded in Liiga, scoring 26 goals in Finland’s top professional league. He was also a standout at the World Junior Championship, playing against his peers. His skating and play on the puck has improved greatly since being drafted. He’s extremely confident in his ability to drive the net and he’s difficult to separate from the puck along the wall and inside the dots. He’s not an overtly physical player. Even though he’s got a big frame, at 6’ 4”, he’s not really a power winger. However, he does project as a complementary piece on a scoring line thanks to his scoring ability and the consistency with which he works inside to open up space. He’ll be in North America to start next year, likely playing in Coachella Valley to start.

5. David Goyette, C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

The second Kraken prospect to lead his CHL league in scoring this year, Goyette was remarkable for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. The preseason favourite to win the OHL’s Eddie Powers trophy, he followed through by posting 117 points. In a system with so many high-end goal scorers like Shane Wright, Carson Rehkopf, and Jani Nyman, Goyette stands out for his excellent playmaking ability. He extends plays with his feet and his hands and he has outstanding vision; simply put, he is the type of player who makes those around him better. He is also an underrated off puck player who competes hard for loose pucks and in the defensive end. Like others in the system, he will turn pro next year and should be an immediate contributor for Coachella Valley.

6. Ty Nelson, D, North Bay Battalion (OHL)

After such a monster season a year ago, expectations for Ty Nelson were sky high coming into this year. He never quite reached those, but he still had a solid year, and his development remains on a positive track. He was one of the better defenders in the OHL, helped North Bay to another solid season, and played for Canada at the World Junior Championships. The stocky defender’s best weapon remains his booming point shot. He is a prime scoring weapon from the backend. However, he’s also a strong overall puck mover because of his mobility. He has worked hard since being drafted to become a better defensive player and he is now at the point where he is ready for a new challenge at the pro level. Continuing to focus on his decision making, with and without the puck, will be key as he adjusts to the AHL level next season. Nelson is a potential top four defender and powerplay quarterback down the line.

7. Eduard Sale, LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

The 20th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Sale’s first season in North America didn’t quite go as well as many had anticipated. Splitting the year between Barrie and Kitchener of the OHL, he never quite found the confidence and effectiveness to be a consistent scoring threat. Watching him in the OHL, it’s plainly obvious that his skill level is high. He can beat defenders one on one, and he can be dangerous in transition and on the powerplay when he has extra room to operate. However, his game has been too perimeter oriented, and he has struggled to play through contact on the smaller ice surfaces of the OHL. There is a need for him to add strength this offseason so that he can find more success playing through the middle of the ice. Sale remains a forward with high upside, but he may be more of a longer-term project than initially believed. He could turn pro next in the AHL or return to Kitchener of the OHL next year.

8. Niklas Kokko, G, Pelicans (Liiga)

Don’t let Niklas Kokko’s disappointing World Juniors performance shape your opinion of him. While he unquestionably struggled at that event, he has been lights out in Liiga action this year, helping Pelicans reach the Liiga final; for a 20-year-old netminder this is remarkable. The 6’ 4” goaltender plays a hybrid style that is very technically sound. He covers his angles well and plays up his size well, ensuring that he takes up as much of the net possible. He’s improved as an athlete since being drafted and this is helping him to challenge shooters more consistently. Kokko is already signed by Seattle, so one would have to think that after his strong end to this year, he will come over to play in the AHL next season. As of right now, he’s emerged as one of the better netminders outside of North America.

9. Ryan Winterton, RW, Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL)

For Winterton, it was always about staying healthy. He’s always been a talented player with an NHL future, but shoulder injuries had previously derailed his development in the OHL. The great news is that this year, in his first pro year, Winterton has remained healthy, and the results have been terrific. Following last year’s monster OHL playoff performance with London and a strong rookie AHL performance, he has emerged as one of Seattle’s most NHL ready prospects, as evidenced by his semi-long call up to the Kraken recently. He projects as a very versatile middle six forward. He can play multiple forward positions. He’s a confident and intelligent two-way player. He brings physicality and strong off puck play. He is a terrific complementary offensive player thanks to his ability to control the wall and shoot the puck. He’s probably not very far away from a permanent spot with Seattle.

10. Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C, HV71 (SHL)

The Danish forward secured a permanent position at the SHL level this year with HV71 and played a secondary scoring role for them, helping them narrowly avoid relegation to the Hockey Allsvenskan. He is a well-rounded offensive player who excels as a playmaker because of his vision and quick feet. He escapes pressure regularly and plays a high energy game at both ends; he earns his touches through determination and hard work. Fisker Mølgaard, a second-round selection last year, remains more of a longer-term project, but one who could play a middle six role in the future for Seattle. Next year, he’ll have some options. He could return to HV71 again and try to earn a larger role in the SHL. He could sign with Seattle and play as a 20 year in the AHL. Or the Kraken could try to secure a spot in the CHL for him to help him take that next step.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

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.

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.

2019-20 OHL Preview

Brock Otten — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 01:03:50 +0000

The 2019/20 OHL season is already underway, but it is not too late to preview some of the top teams and top players in the league this year. Who are the Championship contenders? Who are the top NHL prospects playing in the league this year? Who are the top NHL draft prospects for 2020? Keep reading to find out.

Graeme Clarke of the Ottawa 67''s. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Eastern Conference

Championship Contenders

Ottawa 67’s

While there have been some losses up front for the 67’s (Sasha Chmelevski, Tye Felhaber, Kody Clark, Kyle Maksimovich, Lucas Chiodo all graduated), the defending Eastern Conference Champions do return their entire blueline and one of their starting goaltenders. Kevin Bahl (Arizona), Noel Hoefenmayer (UFA), Merrick Rippon (2020), Nikita Okhotyuk (New Jersey), Hudson Wilson (UFA), and Alec Belanger (2020) all return and should give the 67’s a chance to repeat as the top defensive team in the Ontario Hockey League (the 67’s led the league in goals against in 2018/19). Additionally, Cedrick Andree (2020) mans the crease again, a year after finishing fourth in the OHL in wins, despite splitting time late in the year with Michael Dipietro after the latter’s acquisition from Windsor. While the club’s secondary scoring remains a bit of a mystery, the top line of Austen Keating (UFA), Marco Rossi (2020), and Graeme Clarke (New Jersey) should score a ton. Management also has a boatload of draft picks (five 2nd rounders and five 3rd rounders over the next three seasons) to make moves should they require upgrades.

Sudbury Wolves

This is the Quinton Byfield (2020) show. Last year, the Wolves were led by one of the best goaltending performances that the league has ever seen from Buffalo prospect Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen. But this year, top 2020 NHL draft prospect Byfield is ready to be the catalyst and one of the best players in the OHL. Sudbury has surrounded him with enough veteran talent too, that includes Carolina draft pick Blake Murray (Carolina). But preventing goals may be the Achilles Heel of this team heading into the year. The defense is on the younger side, and neither Christian Purboo (2020) nor Mitchell Weeks (2020) have proven to be strong starting netminders. Keep an eye on two 2020 draft prospects in Jack Thompson (2020) and Isaak Phillips (2020) here, as they will be seeing a ton of minutes and could rocket up draft boards with strong performances. In a slightly weaker division, look for Sudbury to overcome some holes and earn home ice in the first round.

Peterborough Petes

Unfortunately for Peterborough, they play in the same division as the 67’s, which means one of these teams will finish third in the Conference. But Peterborough should be considered the second-best team in the East right now, even with the Ryan Merkley (San Jose) conundrum surrounding the team. The Sharks first rounder awaits a trade from the Petes after the club decided to go in a different direction. This could no doubt be a distraction, but Peterborough is a very talented team. Nick Robertson (Toronto) leads the way and is a serious candidate to lead the league in scoring and win the Red Tilson as the league’s most outstanding player. Hunter Jones (Minnesota) is a candidate to win the newly named Jim Rutherford award as the league’s top goaltender. Declan Chisholm (Winnipeg) is a top candidate to win the Max Kaminski as the league’s top defender. There is star power at every position, in addition to depth. This team is going to score a lot, and like Ottawa, they have a bevy of draft picks in the cupboard that they could use to improve further.

Oshawa Generals

While there are some serious questions surrounding the quality of goaltending Oshawa could receive this year, there are no questions about the talent level playing in front of said goaltender(s). The Generals return nearly their entire defense from a year ago, led by two NHL draft picks, Gio Vallati (Winnipeg), Nico Gross (NY Rangers), in addition to top 2020 draft prospect Lleyton Moore (2020). At forward, Serron Noel (Florida), and Allan McShane (Montreal) are the stars, but a strong supporting cast surrounds them. Look for Noel to have an absolutely monster year from an offensive perspective. His size and skill combination is so difficult for some of the league’s smaller defenders to handle. If the Generals do falter and find themselves in the middle of the pack, look for them to trade away some of their graduating players like Noel, McShane, and Vallati, in order retool for next year when the team’s goaltending could be addressed more definitively.

Barrie Colts

The Colts are a real wild card heading into the year. They underachieved last year, but a lot of that had to do with some injuries. Additionally, coach Dale Hawerchuk had to step away during training camp due to health concerns, so management brought in veteran Warren Rychel to steer the ship. Despite the turmoil, this is a very talented team. Ryan Suzuki (Carolina) should be better equipped to handle the pressure of being a top offensive option, and Matej Pekar (Buffalo) is healthy and off to a great start. On defense, Tyler Tucker (St. Louis) should be one of the better defenders in the league. Look out for rookie Brandt Clarke (2021), who is an immediate impact player and is the favorite to take home the league’s Emms Family Trophy as the top rookie after leading the OHL in preseason scoring...as a blueliner. Barrie may also have the best goaltending tandem in the OHL with Jet Greaves (2020) and Arturs Silovs (Vancouver) manning the crease. Don’t be surprised if Barrie pushes Sudbury for the Central Division.

Standings Prediction:

Ottawa
Sudbury
Peterborough
Oshawa
Barrie
Mississauga
Hamilton
North Bay
Niagara
Kingston

Western Conference

Championship Contenders

Saginaw Spirit

Cole Coskey of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Make no bones about it, this year’s Saginaw Spirit are one strong team. At the heart of the Spirit is Red Tilson contender and top 2020 draft prospect Cole Perfetti (2020). He could be a candidate to lead the league in scoring and is such an electric player in the offensive end. There is also a strong supporting cast of characters including NHL draft picks Damien Giroux (Minnesota), Blade Jenkins (NY Islanders), Nicholas Porco (Dallas), Cole Coskey (NY Islanders), and Mason Millman (Philadelphia). The real wild card here is whether the New York Islanders send star defender Bode Wilde back to the OHL for another year, even though he is eligible to play in the AHL. Another name to watch is goaltender Tristan Lennox (2021), who was a standout at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup this summer, but is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2021 because of an October birth date. This year’s Spirit team has to be considered the favorite in the West because of their depth and star power.

Kitchener Rangers

It has become abundantly clear that the Kitchener Rangers intend to compete for an OHL Championship this year because of how aggressive they have been already in making key additions to the club. This summer they brought in Axel Bergkvist (Arizona) and Ville Ottavainen (2020) through the Import Draft, and goaltender Jacob Ingham (Los Angeles) through trade. All three figure to be key components. In particular, those imports will help the Rangers defense move the puck more efficiently, an area that they struggled with last year. Recently, Kitchener also traded for OA Liam Hawel (UFA), who is a big upgrade to their top six forward group. Up front, Riley Damiani (Dallas), Greg Meireles (Florida), and Jonathan Yantsis (UFA) will be star players and all three have a chance to be near the top of the OHL scoring race. This is a very well constructed group with no glaring weakness.

London Knights

There was a lot of discussion in OHL circles last week when the London Knights were named the top team in the CHL in the preseason rankings heading into the year. Many, myself included, felt that this was not warranted. This is a London team with a completely rebuilt defense that outside of Alec Regula (Detroit), has almost no OHL experience (save Gerard Keane (2020) and his limited playing time last year). Additionally, Regula is out with a concussion and star forward Liam Foudy (Columbus) is set to miss 4-6 weeks with an upper body injury. That is not a recipe for early season success. That said, this is a talented group. Connor McMichael (Washington) should be in for a big year and will look to carry the load and help this team through some opening season challenges.

Flint Firebirds

They could not be in the OHL basement forever, right? As Flint’s high end draft selections gain more experience, this could be a very dangerous team that should break out in a big way. The team brought in veteran Anthony Popovich (UFA) to man the crease, fresh off winning an OHL Championship with Guelph last year and his veteran presence should help. Ty Dellandrea (Dallas), assuming he is returned from the Stars, will be one of the OHL’s top players and a leader at both ends of the ice. Look for Vladislav Kolyachonok (Florida) and Dennis Busby (Arizona) to really break out on the back-end, too, and have terrific seasons. Another unheralded player is Jake Durham (UFA), who returns as an OA after a breakout season last year. He has already started strong and could be among the league leaders in goal scoring. This is another well rounded team.

Erie Otters

Much like Barrie in the Eastern Conference, the Otters are being underrated in many preseason polls up to this point. This is a team that is near the top in goals returning from the previous year, and while they may not have the star power up front of other teams in the Conference, they are a very efficient unit. On the back-end though, they most definitely have a star in Jamie Drysdale (2020), who is a potential top 10 selection for this year’s NHL draft. He is an electric skater and is my preseason selection for the Max Kaminski, given to the league’s top defender. At forward, look for Hayden Fowler (2020) and Maxim Golod (2020) to breakout in a big way, too. Do not sleep on this team.

Standings Prediction

Saginaw
Kitchener
London
Flint
Erie
Windsor
Sault Ste. Marie
Owen Sound
Sarnia
Guelph

Ty Dellandrea of the Flint Firebirds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Top NHL Prospects to Watch

Ty Dellandrea, Flint (Dallas)

Seems likely to stick around for a few games in Dallas, but has the captaincy in Flint waiting for him upon his return. Strong two-way center who will be able to better showcase his offensive abilities this year.

Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton (Los Angeles)

Fell at the draft to the second round, but is one of the best goal scorers in the OHL. Will look to show scouts that he can play with more pace this year and improve his engagement level without the puck.

Philip Tomasino, Niagara (Nashville)

With a rebuild in Niagara likely, one has to wonder if he finishes the year with the IceDogs. Tomasino should see a nice increase in production this year with more powerplay time and another year of added strength.

Thomas Harley, Mississauga (Dallas)

Has had a very strong training camp with Dallas, but will return to Mississauga where he will look to improve his play in the defensive zone to match his dynamic offensive ability and skating stride.

Ryan Suzuki, Barrie (Carolina)

While his brother Nick starts his pro career, possibly even in the NHL, Ryan will look to lead the Barrie Colts to a division title. Ryan is an exceptional playmaker, but he will look to play more between the dots this year and increase his intensity level.

Serron Noel, Oshawa (Florida)

Noel is a physical specimen who can dominate because of his size and skill combination. The power winger drives play through the middle of the ice.

Liam Foudy, London (Columbus)

Speed is the name of Foudy’s game. He will miss the start of the year with an injury, but will look to become a more consistent offensive player upon his return.

Akil Thomas, Niagara (Los Angeles)

Like Tomasino, it seems unlikely that Thomas finishes the year in Niagara. He will be a highly coveted player because of his playmaking ability.

Nick Robertson, Peterborough (Toronto)

Because of his skill level with the puck and his tenacity without it, Robertson is one of the most exciting players to watch in the OHL. If he can stay healthy, he should have a monster season.

Connor McMichael, London (Washington)

McMichael is a versatile forward who profiles best as a goal scorer. The Washington Capitals first rounder will likely need to do a lot of heavy lifting early in the year for London.

Wild Card #1 - Barrett Hayton, Sault Ste. Marie (Arizona)

It seems very likely that Hayton spends the year in Arizona as a checking line player. Should he return to Sault Ste. Marie on the other hand, he will be one of the top players in the OHL and the top NHL prospect.

Wild Card #2 - Bode Wilde, Saginaw (NY Islanders)

With the option to keep Wilde in the AHL for the season because he was drafted out of the USDP, it seems likely that that occurs. However, should he return to the OHL, Wilde will be able to play with an incredibly talented offensive group in Saginaw and would be a favorite to lead the league in defensive scoring.

Wild Card #3 - Ryan Merkley, Peterborough (San Jose)

The Merkley trade watch is still on. Still in San Jose’s camp as he awaits a new OHL team, Merkley’s talent level is undeniable. But his attitude has him about to play for his third OHL team in as many years.

Quinton Byfield on the Sudbury Wolves. Photo courtesy of the OHL.

Top 2020 NHL Draft Prospects to Watch

Quinton Byfield, Sudbury

The name Eric Lindros has been thrown around recently because of how dominant Byfield can be below the hashmarks. His skating ability is tremendous for such a big player.

Jamie Drysdale, Erie

Drysdale is a beautiful skater himself and he uses this to impact the game both offensively and defensively. So hard to pin down in his own end, he is a breakout machine.

Cole Perfetti, Saginaw

“Goal” Perfetti, as TSN’s Craig Button calls him, is an offensive dynamo because of how well he processes the game with and without the puck.

Marco Rossi, Ottawa

Rossi is as slippery as an eel in the offensive end. He is undersized, but he plays with a lot of jam and has the skill set to match.

Jacob Perreault, Sarnia

A surprise cut from the Canadian Hlinka/Gretzky team, Perreault, the son of former NHL’er Yanic, is a terrific goal scorer who understands how to play without the puck in the offensive zone.

Antonio Stranges, London

Armed with an elusive 10 to 2 skating stride, dynamic puck skill, and a wicked backhand, Stranges is a human highlight reel. What kind of progress can other parts of his game make this year?

Jean Luc Foudy, Windsor

Brother to London’s Liam, Jean Luc is an equally gifted skater. As dangerous as he is as a playmaker in transition, Foudy will need to show that he can play through traffic more effectively.

Will Cuylle, Windsor

Power winger with a nice goal scorer’s touch. Cuylle has drawn comparisons to NHL’er James Van Riemsdyk for that reason. Needs to find a way to impact the game when he is not scoring.

Jaromir Pytlik, Sault Ste. Marie

With Hayton in Arizona, at least to start the year, the pressure will be on Pytlik to carry the offensive load in the Soo. After only playing half of last year, scouts will get a better look at him this year.

Ryan O’Rourke, Sault Ste. Marie

Hard-nosed defensive stalwart who will be looking to prove that he can be a two-way defender and possesses the offensive upside to be a high NHL draft pick.