As the NHL preseason nears its conclusion, the Coachella Valley Firebirds roster is solidifying. The offseason brought significant changes to Coachella Valley, including a new head coach and a substantial roster turnover.
The Firebirds have two preseason games scheduled against the Milwaukee Admirals, both in Independence, Missouri: Oct. 4 and 5. Their regular-season home opener is set for Oct. 11 against the Bakersfield Condors. Training camp for the Firebirds started on Sept. 30, and with some AHL players spending part of that time still with the Kraken, the training camp roster has been a mix of projected ECHL and AHL players.
New Firebirds coach, Derek Laxdal, has been hired to replace Dan Bylsma, who was promoted to head coach for the Seattle Kraken. Assistant coach Jessica Campbell also joined the Kraken, leaving a vacancy that was filled by former WHL Saskatoon Blades coach Brennan Sonne. Assistant coach Stu Bickell will remain in his role.
Laxdal brings a winning mentality, boasting 15 winning seasons in 19 years as a coach. He has championship experience as both a player and a coach. As a player, he won the Calder Cup in 1990 with the Springfield Indians. As the coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings, he won WHL championships in 2011-12 and 2013-14, with the 2014 team also raising the Memorial Cup. Laxdal’s coaching career encompasses a wide range of levels, from the CHL to the NHL.
Laxdal commented on what fans can expect to see in the upcoming season, “You’re going to see a team I think that you have seen here before that competes night in, night out, competes hard on the puck. [It’s a team] that plays hard, that has great intensity and you’re going to see a little bit more skill level coming into the organization with all these young prospects.”
Roster overhaul
The Firebirds’ significant roster turnover was largely due to the veteran rule, which I discussed in July. This has opened up opportunities for Kraken prospects. There are 14 new faces on the team roster. Here’s a projected lineup for the team.
* New Firebirds for the upcoming season
David Goyette, Jani Nyman, and Lleyton Roed joined the Firebirds at the end of last season. While they gained some experience with the team, this upcoming season will be their first full campaign with the Firebirds. Therefore, they’re considered new players for the 2024-25 season in the table above.
Firebirds youth movement
The Firebirds are undergoing a youth movement as more young players, including several Kraken draft picks, join the team. This has resulted in a roster with a significantly lower average age.
A younger forward group
The forward group projected above has an average age of 23.1 years, a decrease of one full year from last season. Eight forwards are under 23, and five of these players will either make their professional debut or play in their first full year with the AHL club.
Jagger Firkus: The 2023-24 CHL overall scoring leader with 126 points, Firkus will transition to right wing this season. His size has always been a question, but his ability to succeed in his new position and maintain his scoring prowess at the AHL level will be crucial for his development.
David Goyette: A second-round pick by the Kraken in 2022, Goyette consistently improved his scoring and capped off his junior career by winning the OHL scoring race with 117 points.
Jani Nyman: Known affectionately as “Li’l Jani” by Sound Of Hockey, Nyman is anything but small. At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, this right winger has a powerful shot and knack for finding open ice. In Liiga, Nyman finished second overall in goals scored with 26 in 48 games. This achievement is even more impressive considering it’s the fourth-most goals scored by an under-20 player in league history.
Lleyton Roed: A speedy undrafted free agent, Roed’s performance at Bemidji State earned him a Hobey Baker Award nomination. The Kraken quickly signed him to an entry-level contract. Sound Of Hockey’s own Darren Brown recently wrote a profile on Roed.
Eduard Sale: The 2023 first-round pick spent last season in the OHL where he recorded 38 points in 49 games. Given his young age and potential, it’s logical for him to join the Firebirds, allowing the Kraken organization to directly oversee his development. Coach Bylsma has praised Sale, “Being heavy on the forecheck and using the stick and feet to get there. And he’s starting to see more [opportunities on the ice].” Sale could still be returned to the OHL, but the Firebirds are giving him a look to see if he can play at the AHL level. If he can stick, it would allow the Kraken to get more of a hands-on approach to his development.
Returning youngsters Logan Morrison, Tucker Robertson, and Jacob Melanson will aim to build on their successes from last year and take the next step in their development.
Defense corps
Only three players return from last year’s defensive corps. The Firebirds also have three defensive players under the age of 23.
Ville Ottavainen: This big, 6-foot-5 defender has developed nicely. He provided more offensive punch than expected in his first year with the Firebirds, scoring 34 points. The right-shot defenseman has looked impressive in training camp with the Kraken and scored with a rocket one-timer against the Calgary Flames on Monday. He could be the first defenseman called up by Seattle if needed this season.
Ty Nelson: At 5-foot-10, 208 pounds, the sturdy Nelson doesn’t shy away from physical play. He excels at moving the puck and contributes offensively. This will be his first season in the AHL, and watching his game translate at the professional level will be something to monitor.
Charlie Wright: An undrafted free agent who signed a one-year deal with the Firebirds, Wright served as an alternate captain for his WHL team, the Saskatoon Blades. New assistant coach and former head coach of Wright and the Blades, Brennan Sonne, commented, “He’s done everything right. He’s one of the most underrated players in the league, honestly. He’s a pro, through and through. He’s meant the world to the team, as being so steady that whole time. His growth as a player, I just think it’s incredible the way he’s been able to produce offensively while still bringing what he’s great at, which is skating and his ability to shut players down.”
With this roster, the defense is getting slightly younger, going from an average age of 25.1 to 24.8. This assumes Wright (Charlie, not Shane) remains in the AHL. If he is sent to the ECHL, either Ryan Jones or Jake McLaughlin would take the final spot, raising the average age to 25.6.
However, with Cale Fleury being waived Thursday by the Kraken for the purposes of reassigning him to Coachella Valley, the defensive picture could be a little more solidified Friday if he clears.
Goaltending
The Coachella Valley Firebirds will enter the season with Ales Stezka as their starting goaltender. Stezka is the only Firebirds goalie to see preseason action with the Seattle Kraken, appearing in two games. The backup role is less certain, but Niklas Kokko appears to be the frontrunner.
Niklas Kokko / Jessica Campbell
In Kansas City, we would expect the Mavericks to start Jack LaFontaine in goal, with Victor Ostman serving as the backup.
Influx of young talent
The Firebirds roster has experienced a surge of promising Kraken prospects this season. This influx of young talent, combined with the team’s established veterans, promises a thrilling AHL campaign. While the team may have some growing pains, watching the players’ development will be a treat for fans. Firebirds games, along with those of their ECHL affiliate, the Kansas City Mavericks, are available for streaming via subscription on FloHockey.tv.
As the Firebirds gear up for the new season, expectations are high. With a younger squad and a new head coach at the helm, the team is looking to make a strong impression. Will they be able to compete for a playoff spot? Only time will tell.
Let us know your questions and predictions for the upcoming season in the comments below. You can also follow me @blaizg on x.com.
The Kraken remain captain-less (for now), along with Utah, as one of the two remaining NHL teams without a full-time captain in place. But just because there is no captain at the moment doesn’t mean there aren’t leaders beginning to blossom elsewhere within the organization.
Seattle has steadily built its farm system by way of players who felt destined to lead by example one way or another on their own squads. Whether it be scoring tons of points, laying hits, or just being all-around solid players, there have been expectations set forth by the development staff for them to take on the responsibilities of a leader.
Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma was adamant about seeing young players continue to grow as leaders with their junior teams this upcoming season.
“It’s their job to take that and be leaders with their own careers,” Bylsma said. “It takes the lessons they learned, taking what they saw here [at training camp] and adding it to their game going back to juniors and having a great season.”
The Seattle Kraken have leaned heavily on the Western Hockey League through the last few draft cycles, but it looks to be paying dividends this season. No Kraken prospects were full-time captains on any team anywhere in the CHL last season. But for this season, there will be four, and they were all named this week in the league closest to home.
Clarke Caswell, Swift Current Broncos
After coming close to reaching the WHL Finals last season, the Eastern Conference finalist Swift Current Broncos had a lot of players graduate through the system last season.
Those exits left an opportunity for Kraken forward prospect Clarke Caswell to further his progression with the Broncos, and he was named the captain of Swift Current last week.
The fourth-round selection in 2023 had 23 goals and 77 points while playing all 68 games for the Broncos in 2023-24. Caswell, 17, mentioned Yanni Gourde as a player he got to shadow during his time at Kraken training camp.
“They work really hard,” Caswell said. “They never take days off. It’s their job to play hockey, so coming to the rink prepared is what I’m going to bring to the team.”
Ollie Josephson, Red Deer Rebels
Selected in the fourth round of this past NHL Draft, Kraken forward prospect Ollie Josephson was named the captain of the Red Deer Rebels on Thursday.
Josephson, 18, looks like a prime breakout candidate this season for the improved Rebels, after he tallied a career-high 47 points, also while playing all 68 games for the Rebels in 2023-24.
Meet our leadership group for 2024-25!#RDREBELS I #WHL
This one’s been alluded to by Sound Of Hockey for some time this past half-year or so, but it was finally confirmed on Friday night by the Everett Silvertips. Kaden Hammell, along with Eric Jamieson, was named a co-captain for the 2024-25 season, continuing a loose franchise tradition of carrying two captains for the season.
The native of Langley, B.C., has blossomed into a premier shutdown defenseman in the WHL, while also continuing to develop an offensive element to his game year after year, similar to Jamie Oleksiak.
Hammell, a fifth-round pick in 2022, spoke about the type of group he envisions leading.
“There’s a lot of guys that bring leadership to the room,” Hammell said. “The biggest thing is making sure everybody’s comfortable and having fun this year. We’ve got a pretty good team, so we want to make sure that we’re super competitive but having fun on and off the ice.”
There may not be a more valuable leadership opportunity in junior hockey right now than the chance to be the first real veteran mentor for a star-bound talent in fellow defenseman Landon DuPont.
Berkly Catton, Spokane Chiefs
Finally, and easily the biggest tongue twister of the bunch (Captain Catton), Berkly Catton was named captain of the Spokane Chiefs on Saturday night.
Not much more needs to be mentioned about arguably the best prospect in the Kraken’s system. Catton, 18, has been with the Chiefs throughout his whole WHL career and has seen them grow from bottom dwellers to one of the favorites to win the U.S. Division this season.
He wowed with his 116 points in 68 games in 2023-24, which parlayed him into the eighth overall selection in this summer’s draft. He’s poised for yet another standout season.
A few other Kraken prospects were assigned leadership roles as assistant captains on their respective CHL teams, including Kraken defensive prospect Caden Price for the Kelowna Rockets (third-round pick in 2023) and dynamic forward prospect Carson Rehkopf for the inaugural Brampton Steelheads (second-round pick in 2023).
The Seattle Kraken’s commitment to developing leadership within their ranks is evident, with several prospects stepping into captaincy roles this season. With talented players like Caswell, Josephson, Hammell, and Catton leading their teams, the future looks promising for the Seattle franchise. As these young leaders gain valuable experience, they are bound to play a significant role in the Kraken’s future success both on and off the ice.
Header photo: Kaden Hammell poses with fellow members of Everett leadership group. (Photo/Everett Silvertips)
It has not been a conventional development… path (intentionally avoiding the very obvious pun) for speedy Seattle Kraken forward prospect Lleyton Roed. But the 22-year-old White Bear Lake, Minn., native has raised eyebrows in his first NHL training camp, and we’ve heard rumblings that he is well respected around the Kraken organization. Could the undrafted college free-agent signee follow in the footsteps of other undrafted Kraken youngsters and one day break into the best league in the world?
“He’s a factor with his speed, he’s a factor with his hunt and hound on a puck, and he’s going to get a chance to show it tonight,” coach Dan Bylsma said. “So, we’ll see.”
Roed will get his first chance to play on NHL ice against NHL competition when he suits up in deep sea blue at Climate Pledge Arena for Friday’s preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks.
“I’m pretty even keel right now,” Roed said on Friday morning. “But, I mean, [when I] get to the rink the nerves will probably kick in. But I think it’s more excitement than anything, your first chance playing on NHL ice in front of great fans.”
Born into a hockey family
Finding competition and tutelage at a young age was not difficult for Roed, whose father Peter was a professional hockey player that got drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 1995 and played in the WHL, ECHL, AHL, UHL, and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany. Roed’s two younger brothers, Nolan and Nash, also appear to have bright hockey futures, with Nolan currently playing in the USHL and committed to St. Cloud State University, and Nash just entering high school.
“My brothers and I grew up in White Bear Lake in Minnesota, a great hockey town. We always had a pond in the backyard or a rink, so growing up with the brothers was always great, and Dad’s obviously been a great resource.
“So, I mean, we were always out there. Whether that’s Nolan and me picking on little Nash or Nolan and me going out head to head. It was great to see for Nash, the youngest one, he’s going to be a really good player, I think. He’s had to battle with us his whole life. But I mean, that’s what brotherhood is all about, and it was super fun growing up.”
Landing with the Kraken
The connection between Roed and the Kraken first began in the summer of 2023 when he was invited to the team’s summer development camp. Then preparing for his sophomore year at Bemidji State University, he showed well and put himself firmly on general manager Ron Francis’s radar.
Roed went back to college and racked up 30 points (14-16=30) in 38 games for the Beavers, following a 31-point (13-18=31) freshman campaign in 2022-23. Those performances garnered interest from multiple NHL teams that had previously passed on him in the draft.
“It was a great two years at Bemidji,” Roed said. “I kind of knew I’d have some options, whether to leave and where to, but… I ended up coming to dev camp two [summers] ago, and I think I made a good impression.”
That impression led to more scouting and communication from Seattle, which eventually was able to convince Roed to join the organization.
“I kept in contact with the staff, and I knew they were watching me during the whole year. I felt we had a good connection here, good relationships, and the trust level was there to sign a pro contract. So, very happy.”
Kraken organization was “intriguing”
One of the reasons Roed chose the Kraken was that they have shown a willingness to elevate undrafted players to the NHL. Many organizations tend to give favor to their drafted assets, so having examples of players making it to the top level despite not being selected by Seattle is attractive for players like Roed.
“It definitely was intriguing,” Roed said. “Because you see [Tye Kartye] do it, using Coachella, had a great year, hopped straight into the playoffs, and is now a full-time NHLer. And then you see Logan Morrison last year, he’s undrafted as well, and he gets a chance to get called up for some games. So, it’s very intriguing to see that. It’s nice to see the opportunity’s there if you earn it.”
After signing at the end of Bemidji State’s 2023-24 season, Roed reported directly to Coachella Valley of the AHL, where he worked with Bylsma, then the head coach of the Firebirds, and impressed with his fast skating and tenacious style of play.
“He got a chance to play a few games in the regular season after his college season and got bumped out of the lineup for a lot of the playoffs,” Bylsma recalled. “But with how he practiced and how he skated in those practices… earned him an opportunity to play games in the [Calder Cup] Finals against Hershey. And he got it because of his tenacity and the speed he brings to the game, which you’ve seen in camp so far.”
The jump to pro hockey from college is never an easy one. Roed said he noticed right away some differences between the two levels.
“It’s a little more physical. Probably the biggest thing is just stick detail. Like, me going against defensemen, how good they are with the puck and their sticks, so you’ve really got to learn to manage the puck, protect the puck, make plays under pressure.”
An impressive training camp
Now, Roed is continuing his learning journey with last week’s rookie camp and this week’s NHL training camp. He has continued to impress and has managed to stick around through three rounds of cuts, including two players—Luke Henman and Nikolas Brouillard—being placed on waivers Friday with the purpose of assigning them to the Firebirds.
“It’s been great,” Roed said. “We’re coming up on three weeks now. The rookie tournament with the first week, it was good to do that, get on the ice, get some game pace. And then the last week and a half, two weeks here, has been awesome seeing the NHL guys.”
Against his fellow prospects in rookie camp, he had the advantage of being two or three years older than much of his competition, so he should have stood out. But he also hasn’t looked out of place with NHLers on the ice either, at least in practices.
And while he is likely to land in Coachella Valley sooner or later, Roed is enjoying the experience and taking in every lesson he can in the meantime.
“[I’ve learned] how to handle myself,” Roed said. “I mean, details on and off the ice, whether it’s in the weight room, nutrition, on the ice, I think that’s what separates the guys [in the NHL]. It’s just how detailed they are at every aspect.”
Roed will look to apply those lessons when he takes the ice Friday night.
“I’m excited. I mean, it’ll be fun to be in an NHL arena, especially at home here on a Friday, should be a good crowd. So, you’ve just got to go out there and put your best foot forward and soak it in and just have fun.”
Darren Brown
Darren Brown is the Chief Content Officer at soundofhockey.com and the host of the Sound Of Hockey Podcast. He is a member of the PHWA and is also usually SOH’s Twitter intern (but please pretend you don’t know that). Follow him @DarrenFunBrown and @sound_hockey or email darren@soundofhockey.com.
The summer heat may still be lingering, but the start of training camp brings with it a renewed sense of excitement for Seattle Kraken fans. Among the most anticipated prospects is Shane Wright, the fourth-overall pick in the 2022 draft. While a full-time roster spot isn’t guaranteed, Wright’s performance in training camp suggests he’s on the verge of making a significant impact. A strong showing is crucial to convince the coaching staff and front office that he’s ready for the NHL.
A unique development path
Comparisons between Wright and Matty Beniers are inevitable, given their similar draft positions. Granted exceptional status, Wright joined the OHL at 15, a rare feat achieved by only nine players in CHL history. The most recent example is Landon DuPont, who recently debuted for the Everett Silvertips. However, the pandemic disrupted Wright’s development, because the OHL canceled the 2020-21 season.
This meant Wright entered the NHL entry draft with two junior seasons compared to Beniers’ three years of experience (USHL, NTDP, NCAA). At 18, Wright had effectively outgrown the OHL but was not eligible for the AHL, and with only two years of junior hockey, the NHL was just out of reach. Due to the lost year and coming up just shy of the requirement to be eligible anyway, Wright was granted an exception during the 2023-24 season to play in the AHL and has now completed four years of developmental hockey (OHL, AHL) – aligning with Beniers’ trajectory.
Rookie camp
Despite not technically being a rookie, Wright embraced the “veteran” role in rookie camp last week, exhibiting strong leadership qualities and outshining his peers.
“I’m trying to be a mentor and leader for the younger guys coming in and help them out through the process,” Wright said, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. His dedication was evident, not only in his on-ice performance but also in his willingness to assist teammates in acclimating to the professional environment. Recognizing his exceptional skills and experience, the Kraken decided to keep Wright in Seattle for additional training rather than sending him to the LA Rookie Faceoff.
ShaneWright (Photo/Brian Liesse)
Training camp
Wright has been frequently centering a line with wingers Tye Kartye and Jordan Eberle in training camp. This trio has shown promising chemistry, building upon the connection Wright established with Eberle during his eight-game stint with the Kraken at the end of last season. The line has consistently looked impressive in camp, showcasing Wright’s ability to keep pace with and contribute offensively alongside established NHL players. This is a positive indicator of his readiness for the upcoming season.
Leading by example
Despite his young age, Wright’s leadership qualities are undeniable. Whether it’s arriving early for practice, assisting teammates with drills, or cleaning up after practice, Wright consistently goes above and beyond. His dedication to the “little things” sets him apart from his peers. When asked about his early arrival, Wright shrugged it off, stating, “I like being early and don’t like being late. I take advantage of the free ice to shoot around and warm up.” His work ethic is evident in every aspect of his game, from his on-ice performance to his commitment to team culture.
While the final score of the preseason game against the Flames was a disappointment, there were several positive takeaways, including the standout performance of the Kartye-Wright-Eberle line. The line generated a team-high 11 shots on goal, showcasing their offensive potential. Their ability to cycle the puck and create high-danger scoring chances bodes well for the upcoming season. Kartye’s high-energy play provided a spark, allowing Eberle and Wright to cycle the puck effectively and generate offensive pressure.
Coachella Valley Firebirds
Wright spent the majority of last season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. In 59 regular-season games, he tallied 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists). His production surged in the playoffs, averaging over a point per game with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 12 games. This impressive performance made him the AHL’s leading scorer among 19-year-olds.
The Firebirds, a two-time Calder Cup finalist, provided Wright with valuable playoff experience. He appeared in 36 playoff games over the past two seasons, gaining firsthand knowledge of the intensity and grind of postseason hockey. Although the Firebirds fell short of winning the Calder Cup, Wright’s experience in these high-stakes games will undoubtedly benefit him at the NHL level.
Head coach Dan Bylsma
The centerman’s 103-game experience (regular season and playoffs) under the guidance of current Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma is a significant advantage. Bylsma praised Wright’s development, saying, “How he improved, how he grew and how he plays is an advantage for him. Having had that experience, I know that I believe in and trust him as a player.” Bylsma’s familiarity with Wright’s tendencies and strengths allows him to deploy him optimally. The fact that Kartye also played under Bylsma could be a contributing factor to their line placement in camp.
Dan Bylsma (Photo/Brian Liesse)
Looking the part
Based on his performance last season and his start to training camp, Wright appears NHL-ready. He seamlessly skates alongside NHL players, demonstrating a level of skill and maturity that sets him apart from other prospects. Wright’s elite skillset, coupled with his unwavering work ethic and emerging leadership qualities, position him to make a significant impact at the NHL level. As training camp progresses, Wright’s trajectory remains positive, and he’s poised to earn a permanent spot on the Kraken roster come Oct. 8.
If you have any comments or questions, please leave them below. You can find me on the X at @blaizg.
Training camp officially gets underway Thursday, which brings with it a number of fun topics to monitor and discuss. The Kraken have a new coaching staff, a couple splashy offseason acquisitions, and a top prospect likely making the jump to becoming a full-time NHLer.
Those changes bring burning questions, though, so our team got together to talk about them. Enjoy!
Q1: Did anyone impress you at rookie camp or during the Rookie Faceoff games?
John Barr: I watched Andrei Loshko from time to time last season when he was playing for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL. I generally liked what I saw, but it’s always tough to make a thorough analysis when you’re only catching periodic views on a less-than-ideal streaming feed.
In rookie camp, he helped confirm my impressions by playing well on both sides of the puck and scoring a goal during the first showcase game in LA. He looked like one of the most developed prospects, and I’m curious about what the Kraken’s plans are for him. He’s eligible to play for the Coachella Valley Firebirds this season, but he remains unsigned by the Seattle Kraken. They must sign Loshko by June 1, 2025, or they will lose his rights, enabling him to sign with any team.
Blaiz Grubic: Finnish goaltender Niklas Kokko showcased his impressive skills during both rookie camp and the prospect game against the Colorado Avalanche. The 2022 second-round pick allowed just one goal and posted a .966 save percentage. He’s expected to play for either the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL or the Kansas City Mavericks in the ECHL. Both teams will stream their games on FloHockey, so I’ll be tuning in to watch his development on North American ice this season.
Curtis Isacke: Lleyton Roed stood out to me with his pace, polish, and compete level. He probably should stand out as one of the oldest players in camp, but it’s not like he’s a multi-year AHL veteran at the end of the (ahem) road. He got into 10 games for Coachella Valley last season and is likely in line for a full slate of games this year. I wonder whether he can carve out a niche as an NHL checking forward in the future. He’s never going to be a top-of-the-roster scorer, but could he be a player who keeps the pace up, pressures opponents at even strength and on the penalty kill, and uses his speed for opportunistic strikes? I’m curious to find out more after a solid camp.
Darren Brown: Alright, well, you guys took all the obvious ones, but what about Nathan Villeneuve? At 18 and having just been drafted this past summer, he still has a long way to go before he’s NHL-ready. But he’s definitely pesky, and if he makes it to the big club one day, he’s going to be extremely annoying for opponents. I like what he brings.
Q2: Any other takeaways from watching the rookies at rookie camp?
Blaiz: The Firkus Circus is in town! Jagger Firkus, last season’s leading CHL scorer with 126 points, made a position switch from center to right wing. With the Kraken drafting Berkly Catton and already having Matty Beniers and Shane Wright at center, that change could make sense for Firkus’s long-term viability.
Firkus performed well at right wing, scoring one goal and three assists in two Rookie Faceoff games. One thing to keep an eye on: Catton was awarded one of the alternate captain roles, and Firkus was not. This could just be a “sharing the wealth” situation, but we’ll be looking for Firkus to emerge as a leader among the younger guys at training camp.
Darren: Yeah, I wouldn’t read too much into that Rookie Faceoff captaincy thing, although maybe it does say something about Catton’s maturity, considering he was one of the younger guys there.
My other takeaway? Lil’ Jani Nyman is a big kid. We knew this already, but I forgot just how enormous he looks on skates when he’s up close. It was fun watching him get paired up against Ville Ottavainen in drills.
John: It was interesting how much the older guys stood out compared to the younger ones, even though there’s only a year or two difference between some of them. Maybe this should’ve been expected, but guys like Logan Morrison, Tucker Robertson, Jacob Melanson, Ottavainen, and several others looked much closer to making it to the NHL than the younger guys. Both Ottavainen and Melanson seem ready to step into some NHL games if injuries force the Kraken to lean on Firebirds players in a pinch. I wouldn’t be surprised if both of them get called up at some point.
Curtis: What struck me most was the sheer number of intriguing players. Even without a few European professionals (like Oscar Fisker Mølgaard and Visa Vedenpää) and the college players, there were potential NHLers all over the ice. In past rookie and development camps, the total number of players was either much lower or the group was padded out with invitees. That wasn’t the case this time. As we mentioned in our prospect ranking last week, the “middle class” of Seattle’s prospect pool is incredibly deep, and it would be the envy of almost any organization.
Q3: Anything you are looking for during the first week of training camp?
Curtis: There’s a lot happening in the first week of training camp. Most of the rookies will still be around, looking to make an impression. The veterans are getting up to speed with a full-speed, competitive environment. And this year, we have a new coaching staff implementing its camp.
It’s that last part that will have my attention early on. What energy and compete level does the staff set? How are they deployed in managing specific drills and players? We’ve credited Jess Campbell and the Coachella Valley staff in the past for developing the skating games of Tye Kartye, Logan Morrison, and Shane Wright. How does that manifest, if at all, in what we see on the ice from a technique and drilling perspective? And then, of course, there’s the question of X’s and O’s. Do we start to see different breakout, neutral zone, or in-zone schemes practiced? I’ll be watching the coaching closely.
Darren: I touched on this briefly in the “Five Storylines” article I published Wednesday, but I’m really interested in seeing how Matty Beniers and Shane Wright perform. The Kraken are shaping up to be a three-headed monster of young stars once Catton arrives on the scene, but this year is critical for Beniers and Wright to each take big steps in their young careers. While Beniers has secured a huge seven-year contract, he should still be motivated to return to the form he showed in his rookie season. And Wright must be champing at the bit to make the full-time NHL roster—and be a key contributor—for the first time.
Blaiz: I’m most excited to see the Kraken back on the ice and skating together. With a stronger roster on paper than last year, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. While all the gameday roster spots seem to be filled, assuming Wright and Evans take full-time spots, the competitive nature of training camp could lead to surprises. Players like Winterton, Morrison, Roed, Robertson, Melanson, and Ottavainen could make strong cases for roster spots and potentially force some tough decisions from the front office.
John: Like Blaiz, I’m just really excited to see the team back on the ice, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more eager to watch a preseason game. If I had to be more specific, I’d say I’m excited to see how the power play units will work. A lot can and will change with the power play, but we should get an early look at how Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson might fit into the Kraken power play this season.
Q4: What is your biggest question for the Seattle Kraken that you expect to be answered in training camp?
Blaiz: My biggest question is whether the Kraken will make a trade to address their cap situation. With only a sliver of cap space left if they were to carry no extra players (that won’t happen), the team is in a tight spot. While the emergency recall option could provide temporary relief, it’s not a long-term solution.
The emergency recall provision allows the Kraken to exceed the cap by $875K (league minimum $775K + $100K). To use this, the Kraken would have to play at least one game with fewer than 18 skaters and two goalies. Given the front office’s playoff aspirations, a trade seems more likely. Sound Of Hockey’s own John Barr has already speculated on potential trade candidates, and training camp will offer a clearer picture of the team’s roster needs and trade possibilities.
Darren: Blaiz nailed it—that’s the biggest question.
Curtis: I expect to have a better handle on Shane Wright’s trajectory and role by the end of camp. Is Wright the player who looked fast, confident, and like a heady facilitator in his few games last spring? Or does he still look a bit green, playing reactively to NHL pace and physicality? The steps he took in Coachella Valley last season make me confident that last year’s NHL stint wasn’t fool’s gold. But he needs to prove it on NHL ice. If he does, we’ll start looking at his power play role and how his even-strength deployment compares with Matty Beniers. Is Wright attached to a steady veteran or trusted to take control of a top line? We’ll learn more as the season progresses, but I expect to know much more in three weeks about where Wright fits in this year.
John: There are a lot of questions that will take longer than training camp to answer, but like Blaiz said, you have to wonder how they’ll figure out their cap situation. Technically, they can start the season with a cap-compliant roster of 21 players, but only three out of 32 teams started that lean last year. Something’s got to give, and I imagine it’ll be resolved by the end of October at the latest.
Q5: What player has the most to gain or prove during development camp?
Curtis: Andre Burakovsky feels like he has a lot on the line early in the season, and it starts in camp. With a new coaching administration focused on a speed-based, attacking style that plays to Burakovsky’s strengths, he’s set up with every opportunity to recapture his pre- and early-Kraken form. We know he’s been plagued by injuries over the past 18 months and struggled to find his place in last year’s stagnant offense. I’m eager to see if the coaching staff has a plan to tap into his talents and if Burakovsky comes back with a renewed jump in his step.
Blaiz: I’ll be keeping a close eye on Ryan Winterton during the first week of training camp. Winterton not traveling to the LA Rookie Faceoff tournament suggests he’s higher on the depth chart than previously thought. With the Kraken needing to fill out their roster and the potential for a trade to clear cap space, Winterton could have a real opportunity to earn a spot. At 21, playing time is crucial for his development. If he continues to impress during camp, he could secure a spot on the gameday roster and contribute to the Kraken’s success this season.
John: I think we’ve all slotted Shane Wright into the roster this season, but he still needs to show up, so I’d say he has the most to prove this camp. I think it’s important for him to feel like he’s truly earned his spot and that he’ll help make the team better.
Darren: I think Beniers and Wright are obvious answers here, but what about newcomers Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour? Joining a new team often comes with growing pains, so will they slot right in and start producing? I’ll be watching for signs of chemistry between these two high-profile acquisitions and their linemates, especially in Stephenson’s case.
Is there anything you’re looking for during training camp? If so, share it with us in the comments section.
The Seattle Kraken participated in the 2024 Rookie Faceoff hosted by the Los Angeles Kings this weekend, the first time they have taken part in such a prospect tournament. Seven teams participated in the series, but the Kraken rooks played in two games.
Colorado Avalanche, Saturday, Sept 14 – Kraken won 5-1
Vegas Golden Knights, Sunday, Sept 15 – Golden Knights won 5-3
New Coachella Valley Firebirds coach, Derek Laxdal, emphasized that this would be a “business trip” for the Kraken youngsters, and they did turn in a decent performance that taught us quite a bit about Seattle’s future. Here are our Three Takeaways from the series.
Jagger Firkus stresses the value of rookie tournament in finding the next level of compete and in getting to know the newly drafted rookie #SeaKraken as well. The message from Coach Laxdal was the LA tournament is a “business trip.” pic.twitter.com/HKSTGaXYZ7
Niklas Kokko started against the Colorado Avalanche on Sept. 14, performing exceptionally and stopping 29 of 30 shots. Despite the Seattle Kraken coming out flat-footed and being under heavy pressure for the first 10 minutes of the game, Kokko remained calm and made timely saves, keeping the game tied 0-0.
Buoyed by Kokko’s strong performance, the Kraken rookies exploded for three goals in the second period and never looked back. They easily defeated the Avalanche 5-1. Kokko played strong positionally and never let the Avalanche back into the game. The solitary goal was scored on a power-play rebound late in the third period.
Kokko’s development this season will be closely monitored, as he prepares to adjust to the North American pro game. He will play in either in the AHL or ECHL this season, but from this small sample size of one game, he looks like he can play.
Takeaway #2 – Players that impressed
Two players surprised with their excellent play: Andrei Loshko and Nathan Villeneuve.
Loshko lights the lamp
Loshko was a versatile presence in both Rookie Faceoff games, contributing in all situations. He saw ice time on the power play, penalty kill, and at even strength. Despite usually playing as a winger, he was frequently deployed on the faceoff dot for Kraken special teams.
In the first game, Loshko formed a dynamic line with Jacob Melanson and Nathan Villeneuve. Their chemistry was evident as they generated numerous scoring chances. Loshko capped off the performance with a wrist shot goal from the slot.
Loshko is entering his 20-year-old season, which means he is eligible to play in Coachella Valley, if the Kraken sign him to an entry-level contract (he is currently unsigned). If Loshko keeps up his strong play in training came, reporting to the AHL is in the cards.
Villeneuve drops the gloves
2024 second-round draft pick, Nathan Villeneuve, proved to be a physical force on the ice. Following a strong first game, he was elevated to the top line, joining Jagger Firkus and Berkly Catton.
Despite being just 18, Villeneuve quickly made his presence felt. Known as a gritty player in the OHL, he dropped the gloves in both games over the weekend, showcasing his toughess. Villeneuve also contributed offensively, scoring a shorthanded goal on a 2-on-1 rush with Jagger Firkus.
Villeneuve seemed to earn the coach’s trust and was out on the ice late in the second game as the Kraken attempted to get the equalizer with goaltender Victor Ostman on the bench.
Honorable mentions
Jagger Firkus – Tallied one goal and three assists for four points. His defensive play was also impressive; he made some key poke checks on the penalty kill that led to a goal and a breakaway opportunity.
Jakub Fibigr – Despite playing just one game, Fibigr showcased his defensive prowess. He was not hesitant to join the attack and capped off his outing with a snipe from the left point, securing the third goal for the Kraken.
Tucker Robertson – Robertson played in the second game against the Golden Knights and was a standout despite the team’s heavy shots against. He was involved in many of the Kraken’s offensive chances and scored the second Kraken goal by tipping in a shot from Caden Price.
Takeaway #3 – Kraken didn’t quit
Colorado Avalanche – Sept. 14
Despite the 5-1 score, the Avalanche dominated play for the first period. However, the Kraken improved as the game went on and eventually took over. Kokko’s stellar performance kept the Kraken in the game until the offense could find its rhythm. Once they had scoring chances, the Kraken capitalized, netting three goals in the second period and ultimately reversing the momentum.
Vegas Golden Knights – Sept. 15
The Golden Knights controlled the play early in this game and built a 4-0 lead. Led by Jagger Firkus’ three-point performance, the Kraken showed resilience, scoring three consecutive goals to narrow the gap to one. Despite pulling goaltender Victor Ostman, the Kraken couldn’t equalize and fell 5-3 to Vegas. But, the team’s push to get back in the game showed some heart and tenacity.
