Photo Credit: Ken Lambert/Seattle Times
The big anticipated draft for the newest team in the NHL the Seattle Kraken has now ended. Surprisingly, the majority of the picks were leaked throughout the day today and there wasn’t much surprise when the broadcast officially went live, but let’s get excited anyway….
A new team with a new coach that just so happened to be former Philadelphia Flyers coach Dave Hakstol. The Kraken now have their team and coaching staff and were ready for action, well almost. Lots of questions concluding the expansion draft about who was taken, and who was NOT taken- let’s dissect some of the hits and misses of the newest team and their roster. First up, let’s look at the “Good picks”, then end it with the “interesting picks”…
Jordan Eberle-RW NY Islanders
The Kraken took one of the big goal scorers that were available to them, in Right winger and now, former Islander Jordan Eberle. A leader on the ice and known for his solid goal scoring, this was a great pickup. Eberle was responsible for the double-overtime goal against the Lightning for a game six in the 2020 playoffs, but that’s not all. In
55 games played last season, Jordan scored 16 goals and had 17 assists finishing with 33 points in the regular season. Also having some playoff time, he scored 4 goals and had 7 assists in 19 games, finishing with 11 points.
Mark Giordano-D Calgary Flames
A veteran defenseman who has played 15 seasons with the Calgary Flames. Not only a veteran, but the oldest player who was drafted in the expansion draft, Mark Giordano was selected. Former Norris Trophy winner in 2018-2019 has all the skills to be a leader and potential captain for the team come the start of the season. I think this was a great pickup to help the core of the team with his leadership ability. We will not jump into a few players who maybe could have
been left off the board- let’s get into it.
Carsen Twarynski-Winger Philadelphia Flyers
A huge surprise was the selection of Carsen Twarynski. A player that not many people had on their board, or even knew much about. He has one goal and no assists in 22 career NHL games. Its a huge surprise they didn’t take a player like Jake Voracek or even Shayne Gostisbehere.
“Ron and his group in Seattle have put a lot of time and effort into their preparation and with Carsen they have added a good, young piece to their team. Carsen is a hard-working player who has grown considerably in his four seasons since he was drafted in our organization. We wish nothing but the best for him in Seattle.” – Chuck Fletcher
Brandon Tanev- Winger Pittsburgh Penguins
A bottom six winger for the pens who has seen his struggles for sure gets the call for the Kraken. Now Tanev has four years remaining and a cheap price. There were just so many more better choices that could have been selected. Zach Aston-Reese and Marcus Pettersson would have been much better on this roster then Tanev. A gutsy pick, lets see how it pans out.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it
