Whereas we watch for the NHL common season to start out in October, followers are frothing on the mouth for what September brings: coaching camp, exhibition video games, and roster selections. On condition that the Seattle Kraken’s roster appears largely full (they’ve however $4,286 in cap area), it’s time to make some predictions. Who will lead the membership within the main statistical classes this season? Right here’s a glance.
Who Will Lead the Kraken in Factors
Contemplate that in 2023-24, the highest-ranked Kraken was Jared McCann. His 62 factors have been tied for 82nd within the NHL. Gamers from golf equipment that skilled disastrous seasons seem simply after him – the Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard ranked 84th, and San Jose Sharks’ Mikael Granlund was 88th). That’s a harsh fact. The 2022-23 season was significantly better for McCann, who tallied 70 factors, which ranked…59th – maybe not “significantly better,” however higher however.
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On condition that the Stratford, Ontario native has been probably the most dependable point-getter on Seattle’s roster, the true query is: can anybody beat him? To additional emphasize how little the forwards are contributing, two seasons in the past, defenseman Vince Dunn completed second with 64 factors to McCann’s 70. Final season, Oliver Bjorkstrand completed simply behind McCann, with Dunn in third, however Dunn missed 23 video games because of numerous accidents and nonetheless got here in third. What offers McCann the sting is his means to attain objectives and create alternatives for teammates. If he’s not placing the puck within the internet, we are able to make sure that he assisted on another person’s purpose.
There should be individuals within the cozy workplaces at Local weather Pledge Enviornment hoping that, if anybody surpasses McCann, it will likely be Matty Beniers. The 21-year-old is coming into his third full NHL marketing campaign and gained the Calder Trophy in 2023 as rookie of the yr, however his manufacturing dropped in 2023-24. He’s now contemporary off signing a seven-year deal price a penny shy of $50 million. We’ll see if he’s the squad’s finest weapon, however he’s getting paid as if he’s. Till confirmed in any other case, McCann will take this crown.
Who Will Lead the Kraken in Targets
Bjorkstrand would possibly give McCann a run for his cash on this class. He’s potted 20 objectives in every of the previous two campaigns and was voted to the NHL All-Star festivities final season. He has a nostril for the online, despite the fact that nobody does a double-take over a 20-goal season. His finest season was his remaining one with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021-22 when he netted 28.
He’s able to flirting with 30 objectives, however the fitting linemates are essential. To be honest, the entire group must get out of its offensive rut. However good vibes are contagious, so who is aware of what would possibly occur if the squad finds momentum. By the way in which, Bjorkstrand suffered an damage in the course of the Olympic qualifiers with the Danish nationwide squad. Fortunately, basic supervisor Ron Francis acknowledged that the Dane ought to get well in time for coaching camp.
To not beat a lifeless horse, however seeing Beniers lead this class can be good. His 2022-23 marketing campaign was fairly spectacular, as he lit the lamp 24 instances, and that was with treasured little NHL expertise.
That is the place those that bemoan the Chandler Stephenson signing have ammunition for his or her grief weapons. He’s very costly, has already turned 30 and has by no means been a lot of a purpose scorer. His finest season was 2021-22 when he discovered the again of the online 21 instances. In an ironic twist, that was the yr the Vegas Golden Knights did not make the playoffs. McCann must also lead this class, though Bjorkstrand and Beniers have an opportunity.
Who Will Lead the Kraken in Assists
That is probably the most attention-grabbing of the three main offensive statistical classes. We’ve already talked about that McCann is equally good as a helper and a purpose scorer. That mentioned, there isn’t a scarcity of gamers on the roster who’re nice at serving to teammates, and Dunn instantly involves thoughts. His spectacular means to generate offense is the primary motive he’s been within the working to guide the membership in factors the final two seasons. In spite of everything, he had 50 assists in 2022-23, then a good 35 throughout his truncated 2023-24 marketing campaign. His numbers are usually not these of, say, Erik Karlsson, however he’s like the good Swede insofar as he’s typically within the combine on scoring probabilities.
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A sleeper decide can be Brandon Montour. A take a look at his profession suggests however not nice offensive defenseman. Nevertheless, there are additionally the franchises he’s been part of to think about. He performed two seasons with the Anaheim Geese – one in every of which noticed him go well with for under 27 video games – then went to the Buffalo Sabres, again to Anaheim for one yr, then again to Buffalo for 2 extra earlier than lastly touchdown on a good roster just like the Florida Panthers the place he loved 4 happier seasons (particularly the final one). Lo and behold, he had 57 assists in 2022-23, the one season in Florida when he performed no less than 80 video games, averaging 20 minutes or extra of ice time.
Don’t sleep on Eeli Tolvanen. He’s comparatively younger at 25 years previous and 2023-24 was solely his second wherein he performed no less than 75 contests, permitting him to tally 25 assists. His work ethic and productiveness have been spectacular sufficient for the Kraken brass handy him a two-year extension. That doesn’t imply he’s going to be an help machine, however he was one of many higher gamers throughout an general mediocre marketing campaign for the membership. Regardless of sturdy candidates, Dunn is the hero the Kraken want on this regard.
We’ve crushed the drum endlessly about Seattle’s anemic attacking prowess. That makes predicting statistical group leaders within the main classes an odd train. Judging by what treasured little cap area stays, there may be some huge cash invested within the roster. Not solely wouldn’t it be good for these gamers to carry out for the fanbase’s and group’s sake, however arguably Francis’ as properly.
