These young players will be KEY this season

Tony Ferrari examines the Kraken's strengths and weaknesses, gives a quick look at their latest draft picks, reviews their positional depth, and highlights who might be ready for an NHL role.

In this analysis, any player who no longer qualifies as a rookie in the NHL is not considered a prospect unless in special cases.

Overview

The Kraken have only had four drafts to build their prospect pool from the ground up, yet they've already gathered an impressive group of young talent. Led by Matty Beniers, their first-ever draft pick, and other emerging players, the Kraken have a bright future ahead.

Shane Wright was a standout in his draft class, earning Exceptional Status into the OHL. He plays a smart, methodical game, making clever passes that lead to big plays. Wright, developing behind Beniers, is set to become the Kraken's long-term second-line center.

U-23 Players on NHL Roster
- Shane Wright (C)
- Tye Kartye (C)
- Matty Beniers (C)

2024 Draft Picks

- 1st Round, 8th Overall: Berkly Catton (C, Spokane WHL)
- 2nd Round, 40th Overall: Julius Miettinen (C, Everett WHL)
- 2nd Round, 63rd Overall: Nathan Villeneuve (C/W, Sudbury OHL)
- 3rd Round, 73rd Overall: Alexis Bernier (RD, Baie-Comeau QMJHL)
- 3rd Round, 88th Overall: Kim Saarinen (G, HPK Finland Jr)
- 4th Round, 105th Overall: Ollie Josephson (C, Red Deer WHL)
- 5th Round, 141st Overall: Clarke Caswell (LW, Swift Current WHL)
- 7th Round, 202nd Overall: Jakub Fibigr (LD, Mississauga OHL)

The Kraken did a great job at the draft, making high-upside picks. They started strong with Berkly Catton, a skilled playmaker, at eighth overall.

In the second round, they picked Julius Miettinen, a Finnish center known for his solid two-way game. They also selected Nathan Villeneuve, a gritty forward from the Sudbury Wolves.

Shane Wright

When Shane Wright fell to the Kraken at fourth overall, it was a big win. Once a top prospect, Wright's progress slowed due to missing a season and an average draft year. However, his performance at the end of last season shows he's ready for a full NHL season as a middle-six center for Seattle.

Key Prospects

- Carson Rehkopf, Clarke Caswell, Justin Janicke
- Shane Wright, Berkly Catton, Julius Miettinen, David Goyette, Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Nathan Villeneuve, Ollie Josephson, Tucker Robertson, Ryan Winterton

- Jagger Firkus, Eduard Sale, Andrei Loshko, Jacob Melanson, Jani Nyman

- Ryker Evans, Caden Price, Jakub Fibigr, Tyson Jugnauth

- Ty Nelson, Lukas Dragicevic, Ville Ottavainen, Alexis Bernier

- Niklas Kokko, Kim Saarinen, Visa Vedenpaa, Semyon Vyazovoy

The Kraken have a bright future with a strong prospect pool that can help take the team to new levels.