Seattle Kraken Building a team with draft picks is the right call
The Seattle Kraken had a difficult first season. But by accumulating picks and building through the draft, they are setting themselves up for a strong future.
One thing is certain, Seattle Kraken General Manager Ron Francis is trying to build his team the right way, using the draft. Through his work at last year’s trade deadline, Francis set the organization up with twelve picks in 2022.
Not only was Francis able to do that, but he also acquired quite a few additional picks for the next couple of seasons. While many may look at this strategy as risky, especially those who aren’t happy with Francis’s performance as general manager to this point, building through the draft is the key to winning a Stanley Cup. More often than not, championship-caliber teams are formed years in advance.
This Year’s Draft
Last year the Seattle Kraken landed Matty Beniers as their future star center with the second overall pick. Seattle entered this year’s NHL Entry Draft draft selecting fourth. They used the pick on a player who very easily could have gone first overall, Shane Wright.
A very well-rounded hockey player, Wright has the complete package of skills. While there is nothing overly outstanding about his game, his high-compete level and elite vision make him an offensive treat. At the same time, he also doesn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities. By next season, Seattle will have a dynamic one-two punch down the middle.
Due to all the trades, the Kraken had four picks in Round 2. Forwards Jagger Firkus, Jani Nyman, and David Goyette all project as NHL players. The other pick, goalie Niklas Kokko, was ranked highly by central scouting before the draft.
As a result of their big haul, Cory Pronman from The Athletic gave Seattle an “A” grade for the draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXOKELEF0Fg
Into the Future
For the next few years, Seattle must continue going forward with this strategy. Expediting a rebuild (or, in this case, a build) causes it to fail more often than not. Once the team becomes a playoff regular, it makes sense to start buying. Until then, Francis needs to stay the course and continue building through the draft. Next year, they already have thirteen picks with plenty of time to add more.
Even as far forward as 2024, Francis already accumulated nine picks. If he commits to the build and continues playing prospects and selling at the deadline, success can come quickly. Not only would it come in a few years, but it would be sustainable, which is even more important.
While bringing a single Stanley Cup to Seattle would be nice, the ultimate goal is a modern-day dynasty. It won’t come easy, but if the Seattle Kraken is going to do it, the key is building the right way. If they’re still near the bottom of the standings next season, it puts them heavily in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes, which can change the franchise forever.
Sell
Francis should continue to sell veterans going into this season’s trade deadline. By adding even more picks, it increases their chances of finding a diamond in the rough, even if it’s a seventh-round pick. Not every late-round pick will be a Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk, but if the Kraken can find even a Matt Calvert or MacKenzie Weegar, then it’ll be a success.
The draft is a gamble. In the NHL, however, it’s the quickest way for a team to find success if they are willing to go all. That’s why scouting and player development are so important.
Buy
One other thing the Kraken can do with their bounty of draft assets is to take advantage of distressed assets. They used a to get winger Oliver Bjorkstrand from Columbus, who should be a top-line player in Seattle next season.
What do you think about the Seattle Kraken building a winner by accumulating draft picks? Let us know in the comments section below.