Can Dan Bylsma boost the Kraken's offense? Plus what to watch in preseason

Dan Bylsma is known for his ability to foster strong relationships with his players. He balances firm direction with a positive atmosphere, making his expectations clear while maintaining a light, supportive environment. A hallmark of his past systems has been the stretch pass, a strategy that emphasizes players breaking out early for a potential odd-man rush. This worked wonders with Pittsburgh's skilled lineup but begs the question: Can Seattle's roster adapt and thrive using a similar tactic? During his tenure with Coachella Valley, Bylsma showed flexibility, adjusting his system to fit the players' strengths. It's likely he'll evolve the Kraken's style rather than replicate his time with the Penguins.

To understand Bylsma's system, let's break down some coaching buzzwords:

Transition Game - How the team switches from defense to offense. Speed and control are key to an effective transition.
Fast - Refers to the pace at which a team moves the puck from defense through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone.
North/South - This term refers to a team's ability to efficiently move between the defensive (South) and offensive (North) zones.

These terms often intertwine in discussions about strategy. Expect to hear them frequently as Bylsma's impact on Seattle's gameplay is analyzed.

Preseason serves multiple purposes, including fine-tuning strategies for the regular season and determining which players make the final roster. This is when we'll see Bylsma's influence on the Kraken's play style. Here are the key areas to focus on:

Offense (North): Scoring will be Seattle's top priority. The Kraken struggled last season, finishing 29th in goals scored. Their offense was hampered by a lack of high-danger opportunities, as they also ranked 29th in that category. Watch for any adjustments that allow them to generate better scoring chances, particularly from within the face-off dots. The power play, which has shown steady improvement, will also be a critical area of focus with new personnel like Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson.

Defense (South): Defensively, Seattle was solid last season, ranking 8th in goals against. Despite this, they missed the playoffs, underscoring the need for balance. With Montour joining the blue line and Ryker Evans expected to step up, it will be interesting to see how the Kraken maintain their defensive effectiveness while potentially pushing for more offense from their blueliners.

Fast Transition: The Kraken's previous seasons were defined by a dump-and-chase approach. But research shows that controlled zone entries often lead to more scoring opportunities. How Seattle transitions from defense to offense will be telling of Bylsma's evolving system. Will they carry the puck in more often, or stick to dumping it deep into the offensive zone?

The preseason also provides a chance to see new and returning players adapt to Bylsma's system. Here are some key players to keep an eye on:

New Faces: Watch for how free agents Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour integrate into Seattle's top lines. Their performance and chemistry with new teammates will be vital for the Kraken's success.

Coachella Valley Standouts: Shane Wright and Ryker Evans are among the Firebirds expected to make the full-time jump to the Kraken. Their ability to compete at the NHL level during the preseason will be closely scrutinized.

Rising Prospects: While it's a long shot for some young prospects to make the roster, players like Carson Rehkopf and Berkly Catton could earn a brief stint with the Kraken if they impress in camp. Eduard Sale's future is less clear, but how he fits in during the preseason could determine whether he heads to the Firebirds or returns to junior hockey.

The preseason will offer a glimpse into the Kraken's future and how Bylsma's system will shape their play in the upcoming season.