Seattle Kraken: 2022 Top 10 Under 25
#2: Shane Wright, C – 18 yrs old, 6’0″, 198-pounds – 2022 1st round pick (4th overall)
Shane Wright was the consensus top pick entering the 2022 NHL draft. Nobody expected him to be available when the Seattle Kraken made their selection at #4. After Arizona took Logan Cooley third, the bona fide top-six forward fell into their laps.
An excellent all-around player, Wright, has very few weaknesses in his overall game. He possesses outstanding on-ice vision, which helps his teammates excel. Adding to the total package, Wright has outstanding leadership skills
If the season started today, Wright slots in as the Kraken’s second line center – not bad. Add to that his 32 goals and 62 assists in only 63 games at Kingston last season, and Wright is a true offensive threat. Get ready, Seattle – The Price is Wright!
#1: Matthew Beniers, C – 19 years old, 6’2″, 174-pounds – 2021 1st round pick (2nd overall)
With the second overall pick in 2021, the Seattle Kraken drafted center Matty Beniers. He’s the future cornerstone of this franchise. A fantastic two-way player, Beniers is comfortable in all zones.
After concluding a successful senior year with the Michigan Wolverines, Beniers signed his entry-level contract in April and immediately joined the Kraken. He did NOT disappoint, scoring 9 points in his first 10 NHL games. Add in 43 points with Michigan and 2 more in the Olympics, and Seattle has one of the best rookie duo pivots the NHL has seen in recent years.
Beniers and Wright will challenge each other for playing time and for the Calder. The Kraken could have their first major trophy winner in franchise history.
In Conclusion
The future is bright in Seattle Kraken Nation. They have a plethora of draft picks to continue to build a stockpile of prospects. Some they’ll keep others they may move for veteran help. But it’s important to have enough talent in the system for that kind of flexibility.
What do you think about the Seattle Kraken’s Top 10 under 25? Let us know in the comments section below.