Seattle Kraken: Everett Silvertips alumni who could come back to the PNW
Michelle Tully
|
Today is part two of our series looking at players with ties to the Pacific Northwest who could come “home” in the Seattle Kraken 2021 Expansion Draft. Today the Everett Silvertips are up.
No one knows yet who NHL teams will or will not expose to the Seattle Kraken in next year’s expansion draft. After the Stanley Cup Playoffs, free agency, arbitration, and 2020 NHL Entry Draft, all of which should be wrapped up by November, will make the picture much clearer. Of course, those dates may still change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s a good rule of thumb at this point.
Draft Rules
Here is a brief recap of the rules in place when the Seattle Kraken make their selections in the Expansion Draft some time in early-to-mid-summer of 2021.
- All teams except Vegas, who are exempt, have two options for protecting players.
- Option 1: Protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie.
- Option 2: Protect eight skaters, in any combination of forwards or defensemen, and one goalie.
- At least one defenseman, two forwards, (who played at least 40 games in the prior year or 70 games in the two previous years), and one goalie that are under contract (goalies can be restricted free agents as well).
- First and second-year players, in addition to unsigned draft choices, are exempt. Many young players are ineligible because they have not had enough games in the NHL in the last two years.
Everett has put several players into the NHL. Unfortunately for the Seattle Kraken, there isn’t much of a chance that either Philadelphia goalie Carter Hart or Montreal defense prospect Noah Juulsen will be available to them. There are several Silvertips Alumni who could be available to the Seattle Kraken next summer, either in the expansion draft or as unrestricted free agents.
Players to consider
Radko Gudas, Defenseman, Washington Capitals
Radko Gudas came from the Czech Republic to play for the Silvertips in 2009. He was selected 66th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010. The physical blueliner kicked around the AHL until the Florida Panthers called him up in 2013. Since his arrival in the NHL, Gudas has been one of the toughest players in the league. In 479 games played in the NHL, he has 1,648 hits, 841 blocked shots, and 619 penalty minutes. to go with 120 points. His tenacity and willingness to stick up for his teammates are intangibles the Seattle Kraken need for what should be a young team.
Jujhar Khaira, Forward, Edmonton Oilers
A prototypical bottom-six forward with offensive upside, Jijhar Khaira finds himself behind some very talented players in Edmonton. Drafted 63rd overall by the Oilers in 2012, he’s played parts of five seasons in Alberta’s capital city. Khaira has 52 points in 218 games.
Regina, Saskatchewan, D, New Jersey Devils
Selected 18th overall in the 2013 draft by the Sharks, Mirco Mueller still struggles to be an NHL mainstay. The tools are there but for some reason, the 6-3 defenseman hasn’t put it together yet. Mueller played 185 NHL games with a total of 28 points and a -25. At a relatively young, 25-years-old, Mueller may still grow into his talent.
Ryan Murray, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
The issue with Ryan Murray isn’t whether or not he’s had a bad career. It’s more that his play so far doesn’t reflect someone who was selected second overall in the draft (2012). Part of the reason why he hasn’t set the NHL on fire is due to frequent injury problems. Murray has only played a full 82-game season once. He’s been available for 65 percent of Columbus’ games since entering the league in 2013.
Additionally, the Blue Jackets have some dynamic defensemen who came up after Murray made his debut. Both Seth Jones and Zach Werenski cast a giant shadow over him. The good news is he’s only 26-years-old, so there is time for the Regina, Saskatchewan native to become an impact defenseman. In 347 games spanning seven NHL seasons, Murray has 110 points and is +13.
Which Silvertips alumni do you think will come back to the Pacific Northwest to play for the Seattle Kraken? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.