Speak about a wild few days.
As NHL groups scrambled final week to determine which of their gamers can be eligible for the Growth Draft, Seattle Kraken basic supervisor Ron Francis sat again and watched.
“We actually suppose there’s going to be some good gamers obtainable,” Francis mentioned, in accordance with Sportsnet.
He was proper. The Kraken could have an abundance of choices as they fill their roster, together with star gamers, overpaid veterans and promising prospects.
They’ll attempt to reap the benefits of cash-strapped groups trying to shed high-priced contracts in a flat-cap world.
However whereas there are numerous good gamers obtainable, Francis isn’t going to deal with Wednesday’s Growth Draft like fantasy hockey – he’s going to watch out together with his funds.
“The one factor we expect is extraordinarily, extraordinarily essential on this surroundings is cap area,” Francis mentioned.
So, who’re a few of the gamers Francis could make members of the Kraken? Let’s have a look.
The Large Query
Carey Value, 33, Canadiens, $10.5 million/5 years
The most important identify coming into the Growth Draft is Carey Value. After main the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Closing, basic supervisor Marc Bergevin put his high-priced goalie on the uncovered record to guard Jake Allen. It’s a real gambit — Value has robust connections to Washington and possession has granted Francis permission to pick their new face of the franchise, although it’s additionally been reported he’s coping with accidents which will power him to overlook all of subsequent season. Seattle can also be rumored to be closing in on a contract with Panthers goalie Chris Driedger. So, what is going to occur? Right now, it’s anyone’s guess.
The Free Brokers
Gabriel Landeskog, 28, Avalanche, UFA
The Avalanche have been unable to signal captain Gabriel Landeskog and subsequently left him unprotected. The as soon as second-youngest captain in NHL historical past – he was named captain at 19 years and 286 days outdated – might present the Kraken management, plus a robust physique in entrance of the online. Nonetheless, his new contract will price the Kraken quite a bit.
Vince Dunn, 24, Blues, RFA
This might be a dangerous alternative, however one with excessive potential. Vince Dunn is a disgruntled top-four defenseman with the possibility to develop right into a star. He recorded six objectives, 14 assists and 20 factors in 43 video games final 12 months and was a giant contributor on a Stanley Cup champion staff in 2019. With an inflow of defenseman obtainable, the Kraken choosing Dunn is unlikely, however his expertise is simple.
Jake Bean, 23, Hurricanes, RFA
Jake Bean is a younger blueline prospect who could possibly be invaluable for the Kraken. The 23-year-old more than likely wouldn’t price a lot to re-sign given his inexperience, however he was chosen thirteenth total within the 2016 NHL Draft — when Francis was the overall supervisor of the Hurricanes. Haydn Fleury, a former Hurricanes defenseman himself and present member of the Geese, may be chosen.
Cal Foote, 23, Lightning, RFA
The Golden Knights have been so profitable as a result of they drafted gamers that have been undervalued on their outdated groups and turned them into stars. Cal Foote could possibly be that and extra for the Kraken. The 2017 first-round choose has performed 35 video games for the star-studded Lightning and was restricted to simply 12:53 an evening. He has the potential – he scored 59 factors in two seasons on the AHL degree and notched 57 factors for the Kelowna Rockets within the Western Hockey League – and could possibly be a gem for Francis.
The Stars
Vladimir Tarasenko, 29, Blues, $7.5 million/two years
The Blues, who have been trying to commerce Vladimir Tarasenko after he requested a commerce, seemingly are okay with dropping their star ahead for nothing. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old nonetheless has worth, as he could possibly be placed on the Kraken’s prime line or traded away to a staff in want of scoring. Whereas there’s danger to choosing him – he has handled damage points and poor play – Francis will definitely be tempted by probably the most gifted ahead obtainable.
Ryan Johansen, 28, Predators, $8 million/4 years
Each staff wants a prime heart and Johansen would supply the Kraken with simply that. Whereas his cap hit is excessive, the Vancouver native has ties to the area and is a giant, gifted heart in want of a change of surroundings. Matt Duchene – who signed a seven-year cope with a modified NTC in 2019 – can also be obtainable.
Max Domi, 26, Blue Jackets, $5.3 million/one 12 months
Son of former Rangers pugilist Tie Domi, Max Domi has put collectively a six-year NHL profession himself. However now, his time with the Blue Jackets could possibly be coming to an finish, as basic supervisor Jarmo Kekäläinen is able to transfer on from his struggling ahead. Whereas Domi solely recorded 24 factors in 54 video games final season underneath John Tortorella, Domi is one 12 months away from unrestricted free company and in want of a change of surroundings – plus, he and his expiring contract could possibly be flipped on the 2022 NHL Commerce Deadline for future belongings.
Mark Giordano, 37, Flames, $6.75 million/one 12 months
The top of an period could possibly be close to. Until the Flames hand over important belongings to entice the Kraken to cross on their captain – the worth is reportedly a first- and third-round choose – the 37-year-old could possibly be the anchor on the Kraken head coach’s Dave Hakstol’s blueline. Giordano – who’s approaching 1,000 profession video games with the Flames and has been the captain since Jarome Iginla departed – is robust, cerebral and gifted, too, and can probably be a troublesome loss for the retooling Flames.
Jordan Eberle, 31, Islanders, $5.5 million/three years
When wholesome, the Islanders’ prime line of Mathew Barzal, Eberle and Anders Lee is among the greatest in hockey. The Kraken could possibly be taking a chunk from the trio. Eberle, who was acquired from the Oilers for Ryan Strome in 2017, has been a staple on the Islanders since his arrival – as has Josh Bailey, who’s the longest-tenured Islander and likewise eligible to be claimed by the Kraken.
