Seattle Kraken; Expansion draft hits and misses
Base Hits
These are the serviceable players/picks a team should expect to get in an expansion draft. In baseball terms, the singles and walks.
Anaheim Ducks
Haydn Fleury, D – Hit.
So far, Haydn Fleury hasn’t lived up to his pre-Entry Draft hype. That’s okay; the 25-year-old seems like he turned a corner on his career and is on the upswing. Due to his lack of offensive ability, he probably won’t be a top pair guy but should carve out a nice niche on the second.
Calgary Flames
Mark Giordano, D – Hit
I’ll admit I didn’t like this pick at first. But taking Mark Giordano started to grow on me. At 37-years-old he still has game and good trade value. Like Pitlick, Giordano wasn’t long for the organization. He and Colin Blackwell are headed to the New York Rangers for center Ryan Strome and other considerations. That’s a good trade.
Colorado Avalanche
Joonas Donskoi, RW – Hit
At this point, Joonas Donskoi will be on Seattle’s first line. That might not be his best fit, but he’s what they have. Given the right opportunity and regular power-play minutes, Donskoi could score 50 points in a season.
Detroit Red Wings
Dennis Cholowski, D – Hit.
Dennis Cholowski certainly has the offensive skills to succeed in the NHL. He skates very well, handles the puck, and is a scoring threat from the back. Unfortunately, he’s a defensive liability. It will be up to head coach Dave Hakstol to use Cholowski wisely and not expose him on the back end. This is a hit because there really wasn’t much else to take from Detroit.
Nashville Predators
Calle Jarnkrok, LW – Hit.
Francis didn’t want to bring on any big-money contracts, so no Matt Duchene or Ryan Johansen. What they got in Calle Jarnkrok was a steady middle-six wing. It’s a good safe pick. He’s good for 15–18 goals per season, and 35 is points. Over the past four seasons, Jarncrok is +50.
New York Islanders
Jordan Eberle, RW – Hit.
I’ve always liked Jordan Eberle and found him to be an effective second line wing. His career with the Islanders hasn’t been as prolific as it was in Edmonton but several of his recent seasons were under Barry Trotz on Long Island. Like Donskoi, he’ll play on the top line, but it’s not his best fit.
New York Rangers
Colin Blackwell, C – Hit.
If the trade rumors are true, Colin Blackwell should be dealt in a few days. If not, he’s a high-energy player who provides bottom-six scoring. When given an opportunity to play a regular shift by NYR last year, Blackwell responded with 22 points in 47 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Yanni Gourde, C – Hit.
What’s not to like about Yanni Gourde? He’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion, strong in both ends, and adds scoring. I look forward to him anchoring the second line after he recovers from recent shoulder surgery. Gourde should be back between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Jarred McCann, LW – Hit
Jarred McCann is the type of two-way player coaches love. He can chip in on offense without forsaking his defensive responsibilities. So far in his career, McCann hasn’t been tasked with a scoring role. That likely changes next season because the Seattle Kraken have very few point producers on the roster.