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The Seattle Kraken are officially the 32d team in the NHL and in addition to drafting their team in the Expansion Draft on July 21st, they will also take part in the NHL Draft, currently set for July 23-24. The Kraken from rounds 2-7 will draft in the #3 position but in just over a weeks time we will find out where they will draft in the first round.
For those unfamiliar, the NHL Draft Lottery was designed to prevent teams from simply tanking to finish last and claim the first overall position and the opportunity to draft the best player. Over the years the system has been changed numerous times with a variety of results.
This time, the Lottery is set up with the 1st overall and 2nd overall spots being up for grabs. All teams that finished outside of the playoffs (and of course Seattle) are given odds to be selected based on where they finished in the standings. The Seattle Kraken have been givens odds as if they finished 3rd last. The exact math gives the Kraken a 10.5% chance at selecting 1st overall and a 20.5% chance of selecting in the top 2. The lowest the Kraken will select in the first round would be the 5th overall selection.
The Kraken will likely not come into the league as a powerhouse the same way that the Golden Knights were able to in their first year. Seattle will need to draft smart and rely on building it's future through the draft. Here are some of the names that Kraken fans should keep an early eye on.
Owen Power: At 6'5 and 211lbs as an 18 year old, the left shot defenseman brings not only a heavy game from the backend, but his hockey smarts and playmaking ability has been described as well beyond his years. Tracks to be a top pairing defenseman.
Dylan Guenther: The right winger may be the most gifted pure goal scorer in the 2021 NHL Draft. In a shortened Oil Kings season he put up 12 goals in 12 games.
Luke Hughes: The last of the Hughes kids to come through. While he may not necessarily have the same offensive touch that his other defenseman brother Quinn has, Luke is a top end defensive player who will certainly be an impact player for years to come.
Matthew Beniers: The centreman at points throughout the year was projected to go first overall but has dropped in some rankings. That being said Beniers could be the best overall forward in this draft and is described as a full package two way player.
Kent Johnson: At 6'1 and 163lbs, Johnson is certainly an odd player but despite being on the slender side, he has made up for it by scoring buckets and buckets of goals. A talented left winger who is deadly from all areas of the ice.
Other names such as William Eklund, Simon Edvinsson, and Brandt Clarke belong in this conversation as well and will be covered in more detail at another time. This year is odd because of the shortened seasons which has greatly effected how scouts are able to view players. The is far less consensus on picks this season which could certainly work in the Kraken's favour.
Tune in on June 2nd when we find out where the Kraken will select in the first round.
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