Tomorrow, the 32nd team in the history of the National Hockey League will pick it's players. Teams have set their protected lists, exposed their respected players and now we can make some clearer predictions on who will be moving to Seattle later this week. If I'm Ron Francis, here's who I'm taking from each team:
Anaheim Ducks - Kevin Shattenkirk RD
It was a tough call between Kevin Shattenkirk and Haydn Fleury, who was essentially traded to Anaheim so the Hurricanes didn't lose him for nothing. There are plenty of other veteran defender options but Shattenkirk had a huge turnaround since being bought out by the Rangers. He won a cup with Tampa and is now playing in Anaheim on a very team friendly deal. Shattenkirk would make an immediate impact with the Kraken and right handed defenders are always extra enticing.
Arizona Coyotes - Christian Fischer RW
To me, Christian Fischer is one of the easiest picks for the Kraken to make. He's on a very cap friendly deal at $1 million through next season, he's an immediate depth right wing piece with plenty of potential at 24 years old. He can jump right in on the third line with potential to play anywhere in the lineup if injuries and things come about. If he has a good year, Seattle will have room to negotiate as he will become a restricted free agent.
Boston Bruins - Connor Clifton RD
This is another pretty easy pick for Seattle, Clifton is 26, another right handed shot defenseman, on a cap friendly, $1 million dollar deal through the next two seasons. He proved to be a top six defender in Boston, if he can do it in a big market like Boston, I'm sure he can do it in Seattle. He'll have potential to grow there and could be a good fit on that second pairing.
Buffalo Sabres - Zemgus Girgensons C/LW
There aren't many appealing choices in Buffalo, maybe Colin Miller or Jake McCabe but there's more promising defenseman choices the further we go. Girgensons is a beloved Latvian who can play center or the wing and can bring a veteran presence to Seattle on a fourth line role. He can win you faceoffs, score some goals and play well defensively. He has kind of a high cap hit for a player in that role at about two and a quarter but that contract ends after next season making him a pretty safe bet to add for the teams first season in the league.
Calgary Flames - Mark Giordano RD/LD
People forget, Mark Giordano won the Norris Trophy a couple seasons ago. Giordano could easily walk into Seattle's top four and if they're looking to name a captain, he could very well do that. A seasoned vet by the definition, Giordano has only played with the Flames. Leaving him exposed is certainly an indicator that Calgary is looking to make changes however, their loss can certainly be Seattle's gain. I think it would be very tough to pass on him unless they really believe in Oliver Kylington.
Carolina Hurricanes - Jake Bean LD/RD
Jake Bean will be an RFA this off season so Seattle would have to negotiate a new deal with him but I think this is their safest play. Carolina would absolutely rather not leave Bean exposed and I'm sure Ron Francis will be as aware of that as anyone. Bean is a left handed shot defender, is only 23, has plenty of promise and potential which could cause him to really flourish with a change of scenery and clean slate opportunity in Seattle.
Chicago Blackhawks - Malcolm Subban G
I really wanted to go with Ryan Carpenter here but at the end of the day whoever the Kraken take from Chicago is not going to make or break this team. The pickings are pretty darn slim in Chicago but goalie depth is never a bad idea, pretty sure Malcolm Subban was taken in the last expansion draft for the same reason. If he works out for Seattle? Great. If not they aren't missing much by passing up on Carpenter or de Haan or Zadorov.
Colorado Avalanche - Jt Compher RW/C
This is a tough one because there are several options at play with Colorado, although long shots. Gabriel Landeskog and Brandon Saad are both exposed however it doesn't make much sense to select UFA's unless you're confident they will sign with you. (See Chris Driedger as example). If you eliminate the pending UFA's you're left with Joonas Donskoi, Jt Compher, Patrik Nemeth and the six million dollar man Erik Johnson. I'd say it's a toss up between Compher and Donskoi but if I'm Seattle, I'm taking the slightly cheaper, more versatile player in terms of positioning.
Columbus Blue Jackets - Max Domi LW/C
Max Domi is a very interesting name. Not just because he's Tie Domi's son but because of how his career has gone so far. He's bounced around from Arizona to Montreal and now to Columbus. He has a higher cap hit but only through the next season. Worst case scenario, he has another sub par season and Seattle lets him walk. Best case, he finds his game settles down in Seattle and they have a bigger name player to be a face to their fresh franchise.
Dallas Stars - Blake Comeau LW/RW
Another seasoned vet that will bring experience to a new team. He's a guy who's been around the block many times, still has some gas left in the tank. He can score goals, kill penalties, he's something of a defensive weapon as a forward and his contract is very manageable for the the Kraken's first season. Can always flip him at the deadline worse comes to worse.
Detroit Red Wings - Troy Stetcher RD
I've always been high on Troy Stetcher, he's a solid depth defender, right handed shot, a likeable guy. He's on a reasonable deal under $2 million then he'll be a UFA after this season. He has a solid shot at cracking the roster on the teams bottom pair but depending on who gets picked and other factors, could find himself anywhere from the press box as a healthy scratch to the top pair with Giordano.
Edmonton Oilers - Oscar Klefbom LD
There are absolutely injury concerns that come along with Oscar Klefbom but he only has a couple years left on his reasonably affordable deal. If he can't play and salary cap is an issue he'll go on LTIR but if he is good to go, there's a solid chance he jumps right into Seattle's group of defensemen and has an impact right away. We talk about how a change of scenery can always help a guy out and that may very well be the case for Klefbom if he can stay healthy.
Florida Panthers - Chris Driedger G
This ones a no brainer, he's already talked with the team and it sounds like they have a deal in mind. I knew very early into Driedger's career that he was going to be a solid goalie, something about him just stood out to me. He wasn't going to get that opportunity in Florida with Bobrovski making the money he's making and Spencer Knight knocking on the door. Dreidger could be ready for a starting goalie role but I think pairing him up, running a two goalie system not only sets him up for success, but the Kraken as well.
Los Angeles Kings - Carl Gunderstrom LW
Some interesting names in LA for sure, however Carl Gunderstrom is a solid depth piece with plenty of potential. He's a left wing, only 23 years old, has bounced around a bit but with a brand new franchise, can develop and have a real good chance at moving up the lineup once he gets settled in Seattle.
Montreal Canadiens - Jonathan Drouin LW
No, not Carey Price. There's no doubt Seattle has spent and is going to spent a lot of time deciding what to do here. Montreal is a team that just lost in the Stanley Cup Final so deciding which player to take from them is important. Jonathan Drouin did not play during the playoffs as he stepped aside from the team earlier this year to address his mental health. Assuming he is doing well and on track to progress, his return to hockey could be huge. The former top three draft pick has proven he can score goals, he's mostly a winger but has played center. Seattle doesn't need to rush him back but if he does return to the game, he could be better than ever.
Minnesota Wild - Kaapo Kahkonen G
Driedger and Kaapo Kahkonen make for a real solid goalie duo to lead the Kraken into their first season and perhaps for years following. Kahkonen split time with Cam Talbot in Minnesota this season, starting 23 games, winning 16 of them. A .902 save percentage in those 23 games isn't bad at all, he's young, has lots of promise, has earned a shot at being a starting goaltender but pairing him with Driedger gives Seattle assurance when it comes to keeping the puck out of their own net.
Nashville Predators - Calle Jarnkrok LW/RW/C
There's a lot of big names out in Nashville but with it comes an even bigger cap hit which is something Seattle doesn't seem to be interested in. Calle Jarnkrok at $2 million through this season is a steal. He's a strong depth guy, can easily hop on that third line or play anywhere in the line up when injuries and slumps come around. He's pretty versatile, he's only played in Nashville and seems to be liked there. He'd be a great addition to this Seattle team.
New Jersey Devils - Will Butcher LD
Will Butcher's game has kind of fallen off as of late but he's played a lot of hockey for a fifth round pick. A change of scenery could really benefit the 27 year old, left handed shot defenseman who has played his whole career in Jersey. The pressure of being a top four defender may have affected his game, if Seattle brings him in as a number five defenseman he could have a turn around and get his game back on track.
New York Islanders - Josh Bailey - RW/LW/C
Lou Lamoriello has to have something up his sleeve, he traded Nick Leddy and Andrew Ladd's rights clearing up tons of cap space. In addition to that, he elected to protect Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin over Josh Bailey and Jordan Eberle. This is another toss up, Seattle will probably take one of these two guys however, Josh Bailey makes the most sense. He's more versatile, he can do just about anything on the ice, something about his game really seems to bring out the best in his teammates and it seems he's only gotten better with age. He can be an easy fix in Seattle's top six as can Jordan Eberle, Seattle doesn't really miss here.
New York Rangers - Julien Gauthier RW
I love Julien Gauthier's game and will always resent the Rangers for not giving him a better chance. Ron Francis has to be acquainted with Gauthier from Carolina and assuming that's the case, there's a slim chance he passes on him. Gauthier has the potential to be a really skilled middle six power forward. He can score goals, he's a big body, I find it hard to see Seattle gamble on a second big season from Blackwell over testing Gauthier's potential.
Ottawa Senators - Joey Daccord G
I went back and forth and back again on who to pick from Ottawa. Chris Tierney is the easy choice but when you factor in other centers and top players from other teams and consider the promise and team friendly contract Joey Daccord is on, it makes sense to add to your goaltending depth here. For a while I thought Seattle should take Ben Bishop as a safety net for Kahkonen and Driedger but it doesn't make sense to carry three goalies throughout the season. Daccord is a solid AHL starter and call up option in case one of Driedger or Kahkonen get hurt.
Philadelphia Flyers - Shayne Gostisbehere LD/RD
Again, he's the easy answer, although I came really close to taking Robert Hagg instead. Another left handed shot defenseman who can use a change of scenery. Ghost was once an all star defender, but has struggled in recent years. He's an offensive defenseman by the definition, could quarterback the power play, only has a year left on a reasonable deal. He has the potential to turn it around with a new team if given the opportunity.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Cody Ceci RD
Pittsburgh is kind of a stand still team for Seattle. There's a couple intriguing options across the board for them however there's better options at all positions around the league. I stayed away from picking UFA's however after the season Cody Ceci had with Pittsburgh it's worth a shot and if they don't end up keeping him it's not the end of the world.
San Jose Sharks - Dylan Gambrell C
There's a couple of names in San Jose that intrigued me but the young center makes the most sense. He's on a league minimum contract through 2022 then becomes an RFA. He's proven he can score goals throughout his career, was a point a game player at the University of Denver and in the last two seasons with San Jose, has put up respectable numbers. Another low risk high reward option for the Kraken.
St. Louis Blues - Vladimir Tarasenko RW
When a name like Vladimir Tarasenko becomes available, you take Vladimir Tarasenko. He shocked the hockey world by requesting a trade a couple weeks back and the Blues responded by leaving him unprotected in the expansion draft. I find it very difficult to think Seattle would pass on this Stanley Cup Champion, all star winger. Sure, he has injury concerns and there's a real chance his best days are behind him. However, at the end of the day it's worth the shot.
Tampa Bay Lightning - Yanne Gourde C/LW/RW
Speaking of Stanley Cup Champions... the Tampa Bay Lightning! Yanne Gourde and the Lightning are coming off back to back championships and Yanne Gourde may easily be able to walk into Seattle as the number one center. Similarly to other teams, there are a lot of interesting, familiar names unprotected in Tampa. Ondrej Palat and Alex Killorn for example. There's risks involved with the style of play Yanne Gourde brings but I have the feeling we are just beginning to scratch the surface of what he brings to the table. This will be among the most notable additions to this Seattle team.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Alex Kerfoot C/LW
To be honest, I don't know what the Leafs motive was going into this. They recently acquired Jared McCann and you would've expected them to protect him. Alas, McCann is up for grabs for Seattle as is recently extended Travis Dermott. Both make great pick ups for Seattle but it seems they've had interest in Kerfoot and I'm not sure they'll stray from that. Kerfoot was one of the few Leafs players to perform in these past playoffs, he can play center as well as the wing. He has a relatively substantial cap hit, but he's only on it for two more seasons. Assuming Seattle doesn't get distracted by the availability of McCann, look for them to go with Kerfoot.
Vancouver Canucks - Madison Bowey RD
Did someone say right handed defenseman?! Did somebody say over six feet and two hundred pounds?? (Barely) That's good enough to give you a fighting chance in the NHL. Madison Bowey has bounced around a bit, still trying to find a home in the NHL. What better time to give a kid a chance then when you're building from the ground up? Only other notable choices here are youngster Kole Lind, depth pieces like Highmore, Vesey, MacEwen, Hawryluk or pricey goaltender Braden Holtby.
Washington Capitals - Conor Sheary LW/RW
Conor Sheary's contract is just too good to pass up. He's signed through the next two seasons at a league minimum deal, he's got cup experience, has been around, can play anywhere in your line up. Unless you want to get crazy and take a chance at Alex Ovechkin, who despite being exposed likely won't play anywhere other than Washington (DC), Sheary is your best bet here.
Winnipeg Jets - Mason Appleton RW/C
Dylan Demelo is a tough name to pass up on but I've already taken my fair share of right handed defenseman and Mason Appleton is a guy who could thrive in a new setting. He's coming off a career year, putting up 25 points in 56 games, at 25 years of age, he still has plenty of room for development. He'll be an RFA after next season so Seattle can handle negotiations but assuming he builds off of last season, they could have themselves a nice little project in Mason Appleton.
A Look At Opening Night Lines (strictly based on draft selections)
Bailey - Gourde - Tarasenko
Domi - Kerfoot - Compher
Sheary - Jarnkrok - Fischer
Comeau - Girgensons - Appleton
Bean - Giordano
Gostisbehere - Shattenkirk
Butcher - Clifton
Kahkonen/Driedger
Extras: Drouin (on leave), Gambrell, Gauthier, Grundstrom, Klefbom (on IR), Stetcher, Ceci, Bowey, Daccord, Subban
All in all, this makes for one solid expansion team with plenty of cap space to make moves or sign big name UFA's. There's plenty of different routes Seattle can take, lots of big names to consider and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. There's always the case where a team makes Seattle an offer to not select one of their players, but the ask seems to be a first and third round draft pick, very high. We will see how it plays out Wednesday night!
Chris Feldman
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