It’s the eve of the first split squad pre-season game against the Calgary Flames. Finally, things are about to get interesting after a relatively boring offseason. While the team hasn’t been loud over that time from the Game 7 playoff defeat versus Dallas, the calendar turn brings us to the here and now. From tomorrow’s first pre-season game, it’s a two week sprint to opening night on October 10th.
The Kraken kicked things off with their Rookie Camp, finally having enough prospects built up to actually have a real camp for the first time. It was a far cry from having a couple young kids attend the main camp for a short spell before returning to their respective minor teams for the season. It was a very good sign the Kraken are developing that much needed in house pipeline of talent for the future. You have to give some credit to GM Ron Francis for acquiring those picks to really ramp that up.
Following the Rookie Camp, 59 players gathered and took to the ice as the Kraken’s main camp got under way. While most players have just really started settling into working on ice with the systems and drills, they are aware of the intense pressure about to get put on them. A bit of breaking news as well, as just four hours ago it was announced Burakovsky came off the IR and will be added to the mix. What is clear, much to the delight of the Hak and rest of the coaching staff, is there has been no shortage of hustle and effort. While some might have thought the Kraken’s past season was a fluke, and that the team would see a regression, it appears there is no lack of wanting to make those pundits eat their words yet again this coming season.
“We will know right away about our competitiveness.” Said the Kraken Head Coach, who also made it clear that any open spots would be a battle, and earned, meaning every camp day, and every exhibition game will be weighed heavily on the players. Calling all hands on deck!
“I expect that to go right through the six exhibition games, which we end in Edmonton,” said Hakstol. “That’s not a lot of time. We’re starting with 59 players in camp. There’s going to be opportunity… the majority of players in town are competing for spots right now. It’s day by day and that’s why we don’t get too far ahead.”
Which leads of course to who is standing out already and what battles will there really be?
Let's start with the belaboured and obvious battle, goaltending. Joey Daccord has already come in steady and focused, looking sharp in early scrimmages. The battle for backing up Grubauer will most likely come down between him and Chris Dreidger. Ales Stezka could be a dark horse, but if Daccord remains focused and dialed in, the job I think should fall to him. It is clear from this offseason, and the fact he was shopped without success, that Dreidger isn’t factoring in the long-term plans here. With just this season left on his contract, a best case scenario for him may be to have a strong camp, and a bit of luck with goalie injuries, that would create a trade opportunity. If Dreidger can’t dial in like Daccord, he is Coachella bound. My prediction, Daccord backs up Gru this coming season.
On the defensive side of things, it is a whole different and rather boring story. The Kraken really appear set with their six defence. While Evans, and Olafsson, may push to get in, barring injury it looks like they will be developing more in Coachella for another season. I cannot see Francis, and or Hakstol, having them be the seventh man munching popcorn with an overhead view. Not when they could be logging good minutes down in the AHL. That is a job better suited to a Cale Fleury, Jacob Menga, or even in a pinch Connor Carrick. And really, that is a coin flip sort of battle I'm pretty sure most fans aren't going to worry much about. The good news is should injuries hit, the Kraken have options. Another strong season by Evans is going to make this last season of Justin Schultz a swansong before we see Evans on the back end in his place patrolling the Kraken blueline.
Where a big battle will come about, and what will draw a lot of attention, is with the Kraken’s fourth line. Gone are Donato, Geekie, and Sprong, which will open the door for some stiff competition. Those three spots, and a lone extra skater perhaps are going to be up for grabs. The question is who wants it most? Ty Kartye came into camp ready to go, in great shape and fast, putting himself front and center after a solid playoff debut. Then there is 38 year old Pierre-Edouard Bellemare the veteran, who has not been showing his age. Fast and physical he is standing out as the go to option at center with his prior experience. Sorry Krakheads, with his exemption granted, expect Wright to be logging solid minutes with the Firebirds. Which makes sense, given he gets a full year of pro experience, and come next season both Wennberg and Bellemare will be off contract as UFA. My picks would be Kartye and Lind moving into that 4th line with Bellemare. If injuries arise Wright might get a look if things are going well in Coachella, but they will also have both Hayden and McCormick to draw on for depth.
Of course, anything can happen. That’s why they play the games, but I think the Kraken will be patient with development and ride things out to see if anyone can really up their game to force the coaching staff’s hands on making a roster spot call. The reality is I’d bet it will play out pretty close to above. Feel free to post in if you think someone else may steal into a spot too.
Here’s to a solid pre-season start tomorrow. Hoist the colors, and unleash the Kraken! Hockey is back.
Chris Bell
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