Seattle Kraken NHL Draft 2021

[Brewin Flames]

[Brewin Flames]

The first ever NHL Draft of the Seattle Kraken....

 

 

* card sublect to change...

 

 

Round # 1 (2nd overall) Matt Beniers, C

 

Round # 2 (35th overall) Ryker Evans, D

 

Round # 3 (67th overall) Ryan Winterton, C

 

Round # 4 (99th overall) Ville Ittavainen, D

 

Round # 5 (131th overall) Jacob Melanson, RW

 

Round # 6 (163rd overall), Semyon, Vyazovoi, G 

 

Round # 7 (195th overall) Justin Janicke, LW

 

 

 

2021 Entry	2	1	Matty Beniers	C	U. of Michigan [Big-10]
2021 Entry	35	2	Ryker Evans	D	Regina Pats [WHL]
2021 Entry	67	3	Ryan Winterton	C	Hamilton Bulldogs [OHL]
2021 Entry	99	4	Ville Ottavainen	D	JyP HT Jyvaskyla [SM-liiga]
2021 Entry	131	5	Jacob Melanson	R	Acadie-Bathurst Titan [QMJHL]
2021 Entry	163	6	Semyon Vyazovoi	G	UFA 2 [Russia]
2021 Entry	195	7	Justin Janicke	L	U.S. National Under-18 Team [USHL]

Edited July 24, 2021 by Brewin Flames

[Brewin Flames]

It would seems like the obvious choice at #2 would be to select Matty Beniers.

 

Even if he chooses to go back to Michigan for another season, you at least have a future stud center man in the system.

[flyercanuck]

16 minutes ago, Brewin Flames said:

It would seems like the obvious choice at #2 would be to select Matty Beniers.

 

Even if he chooses to go back to Michigan for another season, you at least have a future stud center man in the system.

 

I'd say it's a choice, depending on what the Sabres do. But there are more than a few scouts who see 2-9 as a total crapshoot.

[Brewin Flames]

1 minute ago, flyercanuck said:

 

I'd say it's a choice, depending on what the Sabres do. But there are more than a few scouts who see 2-9 as a total crapshoot.

 

 

Heh, I watched Owen Power's interview, and although he said all the right things about how much he "LOVE" to play for buffalo, i'll bet he's secretly hoping he goes # 2 instead...

[OccamsRazor]

 

 

 

 

[OccamsRazor]

 

[OccamsRazor]

[OccamsRazor]

Not a very impressive line up.

 

Looks like Seattle is getting their ducks line up to land Shane Wright. SMH.

[Samifan]

Ron Francis just did this to Chuck!

 

 

[OccamsRazor]

9 minutes ago, Samifan said:

Ron Francis just did this to Chuck!

 

 

 

I am holding out hope this is just their selection now before they start trading for guys.

 

They fill out their roster and now teams can make offers ie. now swing a trade for Jake  .

[Samifan]

1 minute ago, OccamsRazor said:

 

I am holding out hope this is just their selection now before they start trading for guys.

 

They fill out their roster and now teams can make offers ie. now swing a trade for Jake  .

God I hope so! I had a Jake is finally gone party scheduled for about 8:45p tonight. Alcohol, pizza, wings, noise makers and air horns. I r see not want to have to reschedule lol

[Brewin Flames]

SEATTLE KRAKEN RELEASE THEIR EXPANSION ROSTER

BY MICHAEL FINEWAX

July 22, 2021, 12:47 am ET

Updated On: July 22, 2021, 12:47 am ET

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Finally, the Seattle Kraken have a team!

 

The NHL released the Kraken’s 30-man roster on Wednesday evening. The Kraken took one player from every NHL team sans the Vegas Golden Knights and were required to take at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders.

 

They also took four extra players at any position, giving them their 30 players.

 

The Kraken took a brother combination of Cale and Haydn Fleury. I guess with the success of Marc-Andre Fleury in Vegas, the Kraken figure that two Fleury’s should get them twice as much success.

 

 

Here is their roster:

 

Anaheim: Haydn Fleury

 

Fleury was the first-round pick by current Seattle GM Ron Francis when Francis was the General Manager in Carolina. The 25-year-old should get third unit minutes with the Kraken. He had three goals and four points with 55 blocked shots and 63 hits in 47 games in 2020-21.

 

Arizona: Tyler Pitlick

 

There is some talk that Pitlick will be moved elsewhere and a deal may already be in place. The 29-year-old had six goals and five assists for Arizona last season and you have to go back to the 2017-18 season with Dallas as the only time Pitlick has scored in double digits.

 

Boston: Jeremy Lauzon

 

This pick will hurt the Bruins as Lauzon gave Boston some great minutes on their blueline. Assistant coach Jay Leach knows Lauzon quite well as he was the head coach of the Providence Bruins of the AHL the last three seasons and had Lauzon play 74 games for him. Lauzon had a goal and seven assists in 41 games but it will be his defensive play that will shine.

 

Buffalo: Will Borgen

 

Defenseman Will Borgen is headed to the Seattle Kraken after being selected in the expansion draft. There was not a lot available from Buffalo so Seattle took an inexpensive defenseman who will be depth in the Northwest. Borgen played only 10 games with Buffalo this season and did not have a point but did have 30 hits and 14 blocked shots. Don’t expect to see him this season in a Seattle uniform unless it is preseason action or the Kraken have a spate of injuries on their blueline.

 

Calgary: Mark Giordano

 

Giordano looks to be the star of the expansion roster for the Kraken but there are plenty of rumors that the former Norris Trophy winner from two seasons ago, is headed elsewhere in a trade. The Rangers have been mentioned and other teams are interested. He had nine goals and 26 points last season and if he remains in Seattle, will likely be in line to be their first captain.

 

Calgary: Morgan Geekie

 

This was a surprise as most pundits thought that Jake Bean was the obvious choice from Carolina. Geekie was outstanding in 2019-20, picking up four points in only two games but came down to Earth last season with three goals and nine points in 36 games. Look for Geekie to be a bottom-six forward in his first season with Seattle.

 

Chicago: John Quenneville

 

Quenneville was a first-round pick by New Jersey (30^th overall) in 2014, but has never established himself in the NHL as the 25-year-old has played only 42 games in his NHL career, scoring twice and adding three assists. He did not play in the NHL last season, scoring once and adding an assist in 16 games with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. He is a depth player at best.

 

Colorado: Joonas Donskoi

 

Donskoi will definitely be a top-six forward for Seattle as he had 17 goals and 14 assists for Colorado in 51 games. Donskoi has two years remaining at $3.9 million per season and should get plenty of power play time as well with the Kraken.

 

Columbus: Gavin Bayreuther

 

This was a bit of a surprise as most thought that Seattle would take Max Domi off the Columbus roster.  Bayreuther suited up in nine games with Columbus last season scoring once. He also had three markers and 12 points in 14 matches with Cleveland of the AHL during the 2020-21 campaign. 

 

Dallas: Jamie Oleksiak

 

Oleksiak has signed a five-year deal worth $23 million with Seattle as the big six-foot, seven-inch defenseman was headed towards unrestricted free agency. Oleksiak will likely be a second unit blueliner and his tough play along with some offensive capabilities will be a perfect match for the Kraken. Oleksiak had six goals and eight assists last season in Dallas in a full 56 game schedule. 

 

Detroit – Dennis Cholowski

Cholowski had a goal and three points in 16 games with Detroit last season. He also scored three goals and 10 points in 13 AHL contests. He'll probably start the 2021-22 campaign in the AHL.

 

Edmonton – Adam Larsson

Larsson was set to become an unrestricted free agent but Seattle inked him to a four-year/$16 million contract. By signing him now, this will count as Seattle's pick from the Edmonton Oilers. Larsson isn't much of an offensive threat, but is responsible defensively and should slot in nicely on the first or second pairing. He's also just 28-years-old, so he should continue to be effective for the life of this contract.

 

Florida – Chris Driedger

He's a pending UFA, but as previously reported he's expected to sign a three-year, $10.5 million contract with Seattle. Driedger excelled as the Panthers' 1B goaltender last season with a 14-6-3 record, 2.07 GAA, and .927 save percentage in 23 games. He'll have an opportunity to serve as Seattle's starting goaltender.  

 

Los Angeles - Kurtis MacDermid

MacDermid had two goals and four points in 28 games last season. He didn't have much of a role with the Kings and it wouldn't be shocking if he didn't even make Seattle's opening game lineup next season. That said, he comes with a $875,000 cap hit next season, so it wouldn't be a problem if the Kraken do end up sending him to the AHL.

Minnesota - Carson Soucy

 

Soucy had a goal and 17 points in 50 games last season. He has a legitimate chance of making the Kraken's roster but it might end up being as their sixth or seventh defenseman. He's entering the second season of a three-year, $8.25 million contract.

 

Montreal - Cale Fleury

 

The Canadiens exposed Carey Price, but in the end, Seattle passed on the aging future Hall of Fame goaltender. While Fleury is the far less exciting choice, he might fit into their long-term plans. The 22-year-old defenseman spent the 2020-21 campaign in the AHL but he should enter training camp with a serious shot of making Seattle's roster.

 

Nashville - Calle Jarnkrok

 

Jarnkrok scored 13 goals and 28 points in 49 games last season. He is projected to be part of Seattle's top-six and depending on what the Kraken do during the UFA period and on the trade market, it's entirely possible that he'll start their inaugural season on the top line.

 

New Jersey - Nathan Bastian

 

Bastian had three goals, 10 points and 136 hits in 41 games as a rookie with the New Jersey Devils last season. He'll go into training camp competing for a third or fourth line spot on the Kraken.

 

New York Islanders - Jordan Eberle

 

Eberle scored 18 goals and 33 points in 55 games last season. At the height of his career in 2011-12, he scored 34 goals and 76 points in 78 games and although he has never come close to repeating that feat, he has reliably been a solid top-six option. However, depending on what the Kraken do during the UFA period, they might be looking towards Eberle to lead their offense and he may not be quite up to that task.

 

New York Rangers - Colin Blackwell

 

Blackwell had 12 goals and 22 points in 47 games in 2020-21. He's a late bloomer, having only really establishing himself in the NHL last season, but keep in mind that he is already 28-years-old, so he is unlikely to develop further. That said, he should be a good middle-six forward for Seattle.

Ottawa - Joey Daccord

 

Daccord has nine games of NHL experience, including eight contests during the 2020-21 season. He posted a 1-3-1 record with a 3.27 goals-against average and .897 save percentage. Daccord had solid numbers in the AHL with Belleville during the 2019-20 campaign, while going 15-6-2 with a 2.61 GAA and .915 save percentage across 24 games played. 

 

Philadelphia - Carsen Twarynski 

 

Twarynski is a pending restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. He played in seven games with Philadelphia last season and two with Lehigh Valley of the AHL, but he didn’t earn any points. The 23-year-old forward has one goal in 22 career NHL appearances. 

 

Pittsburgh - Brandon Tanev

 

Tanev is signed for the next four seasons at a cap hit of $3.5 million. He was limited to 32 games last season, but he contributed seven goals, 16 points, 43 shots, 33 blocks and 139 hits. Tanev plays a tenacious forechecking style that makes him a solid bottom-six forward. 

 

San Jose - Alexander True

 

True produced nine goals and 20 points in 27 games with the San Jose's Barracuda of the AHL in 2020-21. The 24-year-old forward has five assists in 19 career NHL outings, including one helper in seven appearances last season with the Sharks. 

 

St. Louis - Vince Dunn 

 

Dunn, who is a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights, is a talented offensive defender. The 24-year-old had six goals and 20 points in 43 appearances last season. Dunn had a personal best 12 markers and 35 points over 78 outings during the 2018-19 campaign. 

 

Tampa Bay - Yanni Gourde  

 

Gourde’s contract carries an average annual value of $5,166,666 for the next four seasons. Tampa Bay was likely to lose a strong forward in the expansion draft and Gourde will be difficult to replace. He has been excellent on the team’s third line during the team’s past Stanley Cup championships. The 29-year-old forward accounted for 17 goals and 36 points in 56 games last season. Gourde had 25 goals and 64 points over 82 matches in 2017-18. 

 

Toronto - Jared McCann 

 

 

McCann wasn’t a member of the Maple Leafs for very long after he was acquired from Pittsburgh on Saturday in exchange for prospect Filip Hallander and a seventh-round pick. He accumulated 14 goals and 32 points in 43 games last season for the Penguins. McCann has a $2.94 million cap hit for 2021-22 and then he can become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. 

 

Vancouver - Kole Lind 

 

Lind skated in seven games with the Canucks last season and he didn't get on the scoresheet. However, he produced five goals and three assists in eight matches with Utica of the AHL in 2020-21 after he had 44 points in 61 matches with the Comets in 2019-20. The 22-year-old forward is a pending restricted free agent after completing his entry-level deal. 

 

Washington - Vitek Vanecek

 

Vanecek made 37 appearances, including 36 starts, with the Capitals in 2020-21 during his first NHL season. He posted a record of 21-10-4 with a 2.69 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage and two shutouts. Vanecek is signed for the 2021-22 campaign at cap hit of $716,667 and then he is eligible for restricted free agency, with arbitration rights. 

 

Winnipeg - Mason Appleton

 

Appleton projects to be a solid middle-six forward after he played well in that capacity with Winnipeg last season. He provided 12 goals and 25 points in 56 games during the 2020-21 campaign. Appleton is signed for next season at a cap hit of $900,000 and then he becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. 

Here is what the Kraken depth chart looks like at this time:

 

Yanni Gourde-Jared McCann- Jordan Eberle

 

Calle Jarnkrok-Colin Blackwell- Joonas Donskoi

 

Carsen Twarynski-Mason Appleton-Brandon Tanev

 

Nathan Bastian-Morgan Geekie-Tyler Pitlick

 

Mark Giordano-Vince Dunn

 

Jeremy Lauzon-Adam Larsson

 

Haydn Fleury-Jamie Oleksiak

 

Chris Driedger

 

Vitek Vanecek

[flyercanuck]

16 hours ago, OccamsRazor said:

Not a very impressive line up.

 

Looks like Seattle is getting their ducks line up to land Shane Wright. SMH.

 

And Bedard in '23.

 

Not sure why you'd plan to try and get those two when you could be swimming in mediocrity like the Flyers.

[Puck_Pun]

[Brewin Flames]

Center of Attention

The Kraken's historic first-ever NHL Draft choice, Matty Beniers, is ideal selection for the hockey operations plan to build strong up the middle

by Bob Condor / @ByBobCondor / nhl.com/kraken

 July 23, 2021

 

 

When the new Kraken player, center Matty Beniers, joined the University of Michigan NCAA Division I hockey team last fall, he was officially the youngest player on the squad. He didn't play like it.

 

Beniers, the No. 2 pick in Friday's NHL Draft, impressed coaches and teammates with his all-out, all-the-time play on both ends of the ice.

"He's been a tremendous all-around player from Day 1," said Michigan coach Mel Pearson during the season. "You trust him as a coach to play in any situation.

 

"You know he's going to play on the right side of the puck and then he's got the skill offensively, he can play on the offensive side. He's a lot of fun to coach."

 

After Kraken general manager Ron Francis announced the pick, the team's director of amateur scouting, Robert Kron, stepped out of the war room for exclusive comments about Beniers.

 

"We're extremely excited to get Matty," said Kron. "He's a great hockey player and an amazing human being. On top of his hockey skills, Matty plays hard every shift, never stops."

 

"It seems like the guy doesn't run out of energy," said Michigan goalie and teammate Strauss Mann. "He's just bopping around the ice, out-skating everyone. He'll lead a rush and then be the first guy back on the backcheck.

 

"He's just kind of a complete player that energizes your team and his linemates. He goes to the net really hard, does the little things well. He's a guy everyone would want on their team."

 

The question looms: Will Beniers return to Michigan for sophomore year or could he find a spot on the Kraken's NHL roster?

 

 

"We'll certainly have that conversation with him," said Kraken GM Ron Francis about the first-ever drafted player for the franchise. "It's certainly a big jump from NCAA to the NHL."

 

Francis said picking Beniers will help "set the tone" for playing hard and effectively on both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice.

 

"Matty is a winner and a great character-guy with a great skill asset," said Francis. "We think he has a huge upside. There are not many times when you interview a player and he is majoring in pre-med. He's obviously a bright kid."

 

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Beniers (pronounced "BEN-ears") played a big part in Team USA gold-medal run at the 2021 World Junior Championship in Edmonton. He was impressive on offense and the trusted center to take defensive zone faceoff late in medal-round games.

 

"He's a high-character kid at such a young age," said Brian Boyle, a fellow member of Team USA. "He puts the work in and wants to get better."

 

Beniers scored 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 24 games in his freshman season at Michigan. He led first-time NHL Draft-eligible NCAA players in goals, goals per game (0.42) and shots on goal per game (2.38).

 

At World Juniors, Benier starred as the Team USA second-line center, scoring three points (one goal, two assists), killing penalties and averaging 17:05 of ice time in seven games.

 

On a historic night for the Kraken, Beniers was part of a gigantic night for the University of Michigan.

 

Beniers and teammates, defenseman Owen Power (No. 1 to Buffalo) and forward Jack Eichel (No. 5 to Columbus), not only set a record for three NCAA teammates picked in the first round but did so in just five selections.

Edited July 24, 2021 by Brewin Flames

[Puck_Pun]

This guy's videos are pretty amusing, here's his overview of the Seattle draft

 

 

[CreaseAndAssist]

Matt Beniers is a really good player.  Fast, competitive, skilled.  He was terrific for Team USA at the WJC's this last winter.  My guess is this will be his last year at the University of Michigan so by 2022-23 he'll be in the Kraken's lineup.  The Ryker Evans pick was really odd.  Way way off the board.  Your scouts better be pretty sure they have something special to pick him so early in the 2nd round and considering what talent was still available when they made that selection.  Their last pick, Justin Janicke is a pretty good player.  Big, strong, but he'll be a longer term project.