Seattle Kraken Franchise Debut Round Table
GM Ron Francis put a premium on size when bringing in players. Can that strategy work for an entire season?
Ciara Durant
I’m not a big fan of this strategy. We know that the NHL is constantly evolving and, in today’s game, things are more about speed and skill than they are about size and strength. They won’t be able to have success just utilizing their size alone. However, if the team can tap into their skill and find a balance between skill and size, I could see Ron Francis‘ strategy paying dividends in the end.
Lucas Burrell
While Francis did target size during the expansion draft, it appears that he did his homework when it comes to their underlying numbers. This is especially the case with defenseman Adam Larsson and Jamie Oleksiak. Both are over 6’3 and play with physicality but are also very competent skaters. This results in strong underlying metrics when it comes to strong possession and defensive metrics.
Despite all the uncertainty surrounding the offense, at least Kraken fans can have confidence in the team’s ability to limit their opponent’s chances.
Ed Stein
It’s one of my bigger concerns. I’m worried that by the end of the season, opposing players will figure out how to skate around the Kraken, wearing them out. That would negate a physical game plan. If the Kraken make the playoffs, it’s a different story. Size, defense, and tight-checking is the rule rather than the exception.
Jonathan West
Size helps on defense, but this is a speed game in today’s NHL. Being big definitely helps block shots and rub out plays on the boards, but it does make for slower skaters.