Seattle Kraken: 2022 Top 5 Under 25
We conclude our series about young players on the pro teams we cover with the Seattle Kraken Top 5 under 25.
Of the four pro teams’ Top 5 lists we’ve done, the Seattle Kraken is both the easiest and most difficult at all. It’s easy because there just aren’t many U-25 players expected for a sport that has a formal player development system. There are maybe eight to ten players to seriously consider.
That’s also the reason why this list is difficult to put together. It feels like the list of promising young players on a first-year expansion team should be much more extensive. It’s one thing for a new team to struggle and have a group of young players on the way to provide hope for the future.
Unfortunately, the team Kraken General Manager Ron Francis assembled doesn’t feature much youth, which puts a damper on future expectations. Further, there is no place to develop talent without a minor league affiliate of their own. Any AHL sharing agreements in place Seattle has are used more like a second taxi squad in case of injury.
Still, the overall lack of star power or high ceilings of the players listed ahead is a somewhat damning account of how Francis and the Kraken botched the expansion draft. There are solid NHL players who either fill now or will fill depth roles. That’s fine; every team needs a base.
Wish we knew
Ryan Winterton – C (18): The Seattle Kraken drafted the Hamilton Bulldogs forward in Round 3 of the NHL Entry Draft. Based on raw talent, he was a good pick. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been on the ice very much over the last few seasons.
The OHL didn’t play last season (although he had a decent showing at the WJC U-18 tournament) due to COVID, so his development was delayed. Additionally, a shoulder injury prevented him from attending Seattle’s training camp in September and starting the junior season on time.
Winterton rejoined Hamilton mid-season and has 25 points in 15 games. As a prospect, Winterton has good size at 6’2” and 175-pounds. His body should fill out as he matures. The 18-year-old is a good skater and is willing to go to the dirty areas to make plays. By the end of this season, it should be a little easier to get a read on his prospects for advancement.
Tic Tac Toe!
Some stellar passing, @SeattleKraken prospect Ryan Winterton (@ryanwinterton22) finishes on the power play for the @BulldogsOHL🎥 pic.twitter.com/YLadoDSbeR
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 19, 2022