Seattle Kraken Franchise Debut Round Table
Do the Kraken have enough players that they can count on for scoring?
Ciara Durant
If we look at the last few seasons of each player currently on the Seattle Kraken, I would be quick to answer with a resounding no. Nevertheless, who thought the Vegas Golden Knights built a team that had the scoring power to take them to the Stanely Cup Finals in their inaugural season? It may be unfair to compare the two, but it will still happen whether we like it or not.
William Karlsson hadn’t scored more than 9 goals in the three seasons before being drafted by VGK. Yet, he went on to lead the team with 43 goals. He’s been one of their top five goal scorers since. Jonathan Marchessault is much the same. While he had a decent season in 2016-17 with the Florida Panthers, he spent most of his career in the AHL until drafted by Vegas. Since 2017-18, he has consistently been one of their top three goal scorers. Many other players on their roster have similar stories.
Many fans outside of Vegas referred to their team as the misfits. They were a group of players other teams didn’t want. They went on to prove everyone wrong and were one of the best teams in their inaugural season, and have continued to dominate the league.
As mentioned, it may not be fair or even logical to compare Seattle to VGK. Both teams seemed to have different strategies for putting together their team via the Expansion Draft and Free Agency. However, because they are in the same division and entered the league within years of each other, Vegas’ success sets the bar really high for Seattle.
On paper, I must admit, Seattle looks more like an AHL team than an NHL team. I have seen mixed reviews on the additions they have made to their roster this year. With the knowledge we have, Seattle doesn’t look like it will be a scoring threat. But a player’s past performance isn’t always indicative of what is to come.
All that to say, sometimes all a player needs is a new opportunity, a new outlook, and a group of players who have the same mindset to help them reach their full potential. Being a part of the Seattle Kraken’s inaugural season is a very special opportunity, and I think we will see a lot of players surprise us and thrive in a way they weren’t able to with their previous clubs.
Lucas Burrell
Yes and no. Overall, they don’t have a top-tier genuine goal scorer with a track record of posting 30+ goals. However, they possess an interestingly talented mix of established veterans and depth pieces looking for opportunities to succeed. It’s hard to envision a breakout like William Karlsson’s during Vegas’ inaugural season.
But a major jump in production from guys like Jared McCann, Mason Appleton, and Vince Dunn shouldn’t surprise anyone. Combine this with the established presences of Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, and Mark Giordano, and you’ve got the recipe for average results at 5v5 and a potentially surprising power play situation.
Ed Stein
This is a huge question mark. By the way Ron Francis constructed this team, I’d expect many 3-2, 2-1, 1-0 games. The Kraken has several 20-goal scorers, but at least one player will have to step up and be the go-to guy who can put 30 or more in the net. I’ll end by saying there is enough scoring to compete every night, but not enough to be a top team.
Jonathan West
I don’t think there is enough proven firepower yet. They didn’t make a big splash in free agency, but pay attention to the youngster Morgan Geekie.