Photo Gallery – Kraken vs Jets – March 16th

Photo Gallery – Kraken vs Jets – March 16th

by | Mar 16, 2025 | Uncategorized

Down on the Farm – Ty Nelson’s looking to prove there are no limits on his game

Down on the Farm – Ty Nelson’s looking to prove there are no limits on his game

by | Mar 15, 2025 | Uncategorized

“Down on the Farm” is your weekly Seattle Kraken prospects update. Well, usually it’s weekly. We missed last week for the trade deadline, but return with an update on Ty Nelson’s progress in Coachella Valley, plus news and notes from around the organization over the last two weeks and a preview of the week ahead. (Note that this update does not include data from the games on Friday, Mar. 14.)

As always, if you have a prospect-related question you’d like to see featured in a future column, drop a note below or on X or BlueSky @deepseahockey. Let’s dive in.

Ty Nelson is gaining traction in Coachella Valley

Seattle Kraken defense prospect Ty Nelson has heard it his entire career. He’s too short. His game is too limited to find success at the higher levels.

But Nelson believes he has the skill and mindset to succeed.

“Throughout my whole life, I’ve never been the tallest kid, but I’ve been on the stockier side,” Nelson told Judd Spicer on a recent episode of The Fire and Ice Podcast. “And so, you know what, if I’m going to a corner with a guy that’s 5-foot-2, or I’m going into the corner with a guy that’s 6-foot-7, I’m going in there with the same mindset that I’m going to do anything to get you out of my way to get that puck.”

“That’s just the way that I’ve played hockey my whole life,” Nelson continued. “I’ve had that outlook on life, you know what I mean? You can’t tell me I can’t do something because I’m too small… I’m not…. I’ll prove you wrong…. You can’t limit me because I’m the shorter guy.”

That mindset has helped Nelson navigate what he admits was a difficult transition “trying to figure out the pace and speed of the [AHL].” Since that initial hurdle, he notes that this rookie AHL season has been about “becoming the best version of myself that I can.”

For Nelson, that growth has manifested most in two areas of his game. First, he points to the nuances and finer points of defending at the professional level. “Coach Stu [Bickel] [and I] have been doing a lot of work on that, and it’s not so much even just like big things. It was just like little things about stick positioning and where you [put your stick] in certain situations.”

Second, he points to his puck possession. “I feel like just my confidence with the puck has been a lot better,” Nelson told Spicer. “I love to play in the offensive zone and make things happen… That’s something that I really felt like I’ve tried to dial up a notch—my confidence with the puck in making smart plays and making the right plays when they’re there.”

When comparing Nelson’s early season work to his more recent games, I tend to think Nelson’s self evaluation is spot on. This is encouraging in itself since it indicates a strong sense for the game.

Nelson’s still playing a relatively sheltered 5-on-5 role, often alongside a veteran like Maxim Lajoie and without tough matchup assignments. He also doesn’t have a regular special teams role, which leaves his ice time around 16 or 17 minutes per night. But this focused assignment has allowed Nelson to hone his defensive game, a necessary step if he’s going to earn an NHL role down the road. As Nelson said, he’s increasingly pairing his physicality at the net front and in the corners with more skilled defensive plays.

On the offensive end, he’s confidently holding the puck and defeating pressure with possession or considered passes. His early season rushed and scattered passes are less frequent now.

Similarly encouraging is Nelson’s dependability and durability. Already facing questions about his size, and coming off a season in which Nelson suffered a scary head injury, it is notable that he is the only rookie (and one of only two players total) to play in every game for the Firebirds this season. That is a great indicator of the staff’s confidence in him and his ability to withstand professional physicality.

If you’ve ever heard Nelson give an interview, it’s hard not to pull for him. He has an infectious personality and clear traits to be a leader and positive locker room presence for this team for years to come. The question was: Would his game hit a ceiling? There’s no evidence of that so far at the AHL level. And we’re not betting against him in the seasons ahead either.

Notes on three Kraken prospects

Julius Miettinen | F | Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Julius Miettinen celebrated his return to the Everett lineup last Sunday night with a goal. Miettinen had missed more than two months of play following a lower-body injury suffered at the World Juniors. Now he’ll take on a key role for the U.S. Division-champion Everett Silvertips as they look to make a run in the WHL playoffs. The burden will be even heavier following the news that teammate (and 2025 draft prospect) Carter Bear is likely out for the remainder of the season.

Nathan Villeneuve | F | Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Nathan Villeneuve’s scoring rate continued its upward climb in the last two weeks. Villeneuve was averaging exactly one point per game when the calendar flipped over to 2025. Since then, his production sits at a much more impressive 1.4 points per game. For context, his 2025 scoring rate would rank 20th in the OHL if extended to the entire season, just slightly behind fellow Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf. Overall, his 33 goals put him 17th in the league in goal scoring. His two goals and nine assists in six games since our last update earns him one of our two Sound Of Hockey Prospect(s) of the Week(s).

Ollie Josephson | F | Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Josephson is not known for his scoring. Instead, his sound defense, speed, and transition skill drive his profile. Even so, Josephson had one of the more impressive prospect performances of the season on Tuesday, Mar. 11, when he had three goals and two assists in a 6-4 Rebels win. Nearly as impressive, he emerged from this relatively close game with a plus-five plus-minus. He’ll look to build on that performance down the home stretch of the season. With 11 points in seven games overall since our last update, he’s your (other) Sound Of Hockey Prospect of the Week(s).

Kraken prospects data update

Jani Nyman continued to score in the days leading up to his Kraken recall and debut, with three goals in three games.

Rehkopf, Villeneuve, and unsigned Kraken prospect Andrei Loshko all rank within the top-20 in the OHL in goal scoring.

The Kraken reassigned Victor Östman from the ECHL to the AHL with Ales Stezka nursing a day-to-day injury. Östman made his AHL debut last Wednesday, Mar. 5, and earned a win. (He also started and played well on Friday, Mar. 14, after this data was gathered.)

Semyon Vyazovoy continues to impress when given the opportunity in goal in the KHL, but he continues to operate as the lower-playing-time half of a tandem.

2024-25 Sound Of Hockey Prospect of the Week tracker

Berkly Catton: 3

Clarke Caswell: 2

Tyson Jugnauth: 2

Nathan Villeneuve: 2

Alexis Bernier: 1

Justin Janicke: 1

Ollie Josephson: 1

Andrei Loshko: 1

Oscar Fisker Mølgaard: 1

Victor Östman: 1

Caden Price: 1

Carson Rehkopf: 1

Jani Nyman: 1

Kim Saarinen: 1

Ryan Winterton: 1

Semyon Vyazovoy: 1

Previewing the week ahead

College hockey regular seasons have ended, though a few Kraken prospects playing in the NCAA ranks are still alive in conference championships.

Berkly Catton and the Spokane Chiefs take on Julius Miettinen and the Everett Silvertips on Sunday in Spokane.

Recent prospect updates

February 28, 2025: Talking Firebirds with Shad Powers

February 21, 2025: Lukas Dragicevic making strides, still striving for consistency

February 14, 2025: Mid-season Seattle Kraken prospect ranking

February 8, 2025: Oscar Fisker Mølgaard quietly ascends the ranks

January 31, 2025: Measuring the performance of the Seattle Kraken prospect pool

January 24, 2025: Tyson Jugnauth is putting on a show in Portland

January 17, 2025: Jani Nyman’s scoring, 2025 NHL Draft coverage

January 10, 2025: Interview with Kraken director of player development Jeff Tambellini

January 3, 2025: Stock Up, Stock Down for Kraken prospects at the World Junior Championship

December 20, 2024: Kraken system after the Kaapo Kakko trade, David Goyette’s progress, and World Juniors

December 13, 2024: Three Kraken prospects make Team Canada WJC roster

December 6, 2024: Seattle Kraken goalie prospects progressing in the professional ranks

Curtis Isacke

Curtis is a Sound Of Hockey contributor and member of the Kraken press corps. Curtis is an attorney by day, and he has read the NHL collective bargaining agreement and bylaws so you don’t have to. He can be found analyzing the Kraken, NHL Draft, and other hockey topics on Twitter and Bluesky @deepseahockey.

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Three Takeaways – Grubauer shines in Kraken win over Utah

Three Takeaways – Grubauer shines in Kraken win over Utah

by | Mar 15, 2025 | Uncategorized

Friday night, the Seattle Kraken celebrated Women in Hockey Night, and the boys honored the occasion with a 4-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club. The fans at Climate Pledge Arena were still riding the high from Seattle’s thrilling comeback victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday and brought the energy to help will the team to another comeback triumph. This is the 18th come-from-behind win for the Kraken this season. Here are Three Takeaways.

Takeaway #1: Grubauer stands tall

This was Philipp Grubauer’s first game back in front of the home crowd since being waived and sent down to Coachella Valley, and the “Gruuuuuuuu” chants were heard throughout the night. Grubauer secured his second win in as many starts, delivering a performance that silenced critics who claim he never makes the big save or steals a game. On this night, he stole the game from Utah, making several key stops to keep the Kraken within striking distance and later preserving the lead.

Grubauer described his time in Coachella Valley as a chance to find his rhythm, saying, “[It’s about] reading the game. There are different situations against different teams, each with unique tendencies, and just seeing those game situations better.”

With a .939 save percentage over his last two starts, the German Gentleman has clearly found that rhythm. He was awarded the first star of the night and also earned the Kraken belt.

Takeaway #2: Bend, don’t break

Seattle got off to a dream start, with Eeli Tolvanen scoring his 20th goal of the season just 51 seconds into the game. But the momentum slowed after the opening 10 minutes, and Utah capitalized, with Nick Schmaltz tying the game before the first intermission. The sluggishness continued into the second period, and after a turnover in the neutral zone, Utah had a 3-on-2 rush that ended with Kevin Stenlund scoring into an open net to take a 2-1 lead at 7:35 of the second.

At that point, the Kraken could have folded, but instead, they dug in. A momentum-shifting hit from Jared McCann helped spark the comeback:

That hit energized the crowd again, and before the period was over, a lucky bounce off Brandon Montour’s skate found the back of the net to tie the game 2-2.

Head coach Dan Bylsma described the third period as “chaotic.” Grubauer continued to stand tall, and after a disallowed goal for Jaden Schwartz, Kaapo Kakko finally gave Seattle a 3-2 lead with a wraparound goal off a defensive miscue behind the net.

The Kraken never looked back, with Tolvanen adding an empty-netter to seal the 4-2 win.

Takeaway #3: Montour, Tolvanen, and Eberle playing well

Outside of the second period, several Kraken players had strong performances, whether it was generating offense, killing penalties, or delivering key hits. Three players stood out, though: Brandon Montour, Eeli Tolvanen, and Jordan Eberle.

Eberle, the Kraken captain, notched two assists, extending his scoring streak to three games. He now has six points (one goal, five assists) over that span, with all five of his assists being primary helpers. Despite hearing he would need time to get his legs back, Eberle looks back to form after returning from his serious pelvis injury. This three-game stretch is his most productive of the season.

Montour scored his 16th goal of the season, tying his career high, and he now has five points in two games (three goals, two assists). He is currently on pace for 46 points, which would be the second-best total of his career. The smooth-skating defenseman jumped into the play and got rewarded when an Eberle pass deflected off his skate and into the net. Alison Lukan said it best, “They don’t ask ‘how?’ They ask ‘how many?'”

Tolvanen, meanwhile, has caught fire, scoring three goals in the last two games to give him the first 20-goal season of his career. His goals on Friday night were his 20th and 21st of the season, and Bylsma praised him postgame, saying, “He’s got 14 more [games] to go. I think he can get to 25 [goals], and that would be an exceptional season for him.”

What’s next for the Kraken?

Seattle faces a tough test in its next game, as the league-leading Winnipeg Jets come to town on March 16. The matchup will also mark Brandon Tanev’s return to Seattle since being traded on March 7. The Kraken are 0-1-1 against the Jets this season, with both losses coming in tightly contested one-goal games. Expect another hard-fought battle, as the Kraken look to continue their stretch of positive play since the trade deadline.

Blaiz Grubic

Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.

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Seattle Kraken – Setting expectations for restricted free agents

Seattle Kraken – Setting expectations for restricted free agents

by | Mar 14, 2025 | Free Agency, Seattle Kraken, Uncategorized

At the end of February, we reviewed the unrestricted free agents (UFAs). Now that the dust has settled from the trade deadline, we’ll shift our focus to the Seattle Kraken players set to become restricted free agents (RFAs) after this season.

There are three RFAs to consider:

  • Kaapo Kakko
  • Ryker Evans
  • Tye Kartye

Additionally, we’ll discuss forward Mikey Eyssimont, who joined the Kraken via the trade that sent Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Eyssimont will become a UFA at the end of this season.

A critical factor affecting contract negotiations is the NHL salary cap increasing 29 percent over the next three years to $113.5 million by the 2027-28 season. For the 2025-26 season, the cap will increase to $95.5 million. This increase complicates direct dollar-for-dollar contract comparisons. Therefore, I’ll include cap hit percentages to better contextualize contract values.

Kaapo Kakko

Target: Five years at $6 million (approximately six percent of the cap)

Let’s start with the player on everyone’s mind—Kaapo Kakko (whom I’ve playfully nicknamed “Choco Taco” and hope it sticks). This is Kakko’s sixth NHL season, and his current career-best offensive output is 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) during the 2022-23 season. The Finnish native entered the league with significant expectations as the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft and has been an NHL regular ever since.

Since arriving in Seattle, Kakko has injected noticeable energy into the top line. He has contributed 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) in just 33 games, which projects to roughly 55 points over a full season—which would be a new career high.

Including his earlier time with the New York Rangers this season and with 16 Kraken games remaining, Kakko is on pace for 47 points, which puts him on pace for a new career best.

The big-bodied winger excels at controlling the puck along the boards and driving into the offensive zone and isn’t shy about battling in front of the net. Notably, Kakko’s ice time has increased significantly, rising from 13:17 per game with the Rangers to 17:33 with the Kraken.

This increased ice time has boosted his points per 60 minutes (P/60) from 2.11 in New York to 2.28 in Seattle, ranking him fourth on the team behind Jared McCann (2.37), Jordan Eberle (2.49), and Shane Wright (2.65) as of March 12 for Kraken players with a minimum of 10 games played.

Despite these positives, Kakko remains somewhat unproven given he’s only played 33 games in a Kraken jersey. With only one 82-game season under his belt and being on pace for 79 this season, consistency remain a question. At just 24 years old, Kakko still has plenty of room for growth.

Comparable contracts

Comparable contracts for RFAs who signed through their early UFA years without hitting the 60-point threshold include:

  • Adrian Kempe: Four years, $5.5 million average annual value (6.7 percent of an $82.5 million cap)
  • Jared McCann: Five years, $5 million AAV (6.1 percent of an $82.5 million cap)
  • Pavel Zacha: One-year “prove-it” contract at $3.5 million AAV (4.2 percent of an $83.5 million cap)
  • Eeli Tolvanen: Two years, $3.475 million AAV (3.9 percent of an $88 million cap)
  • Martin Necas: Two years, $6.5 million AAV (7.4 percent of an $88 million cap)

Prediction

An eight-year deal remains possible, but given Kakko’s track record, a contract similar to Jared McCann’s five-year term seems more likely. A five-year contract between $5.75 million and $6.25 million annually (about six percent of next year’s projected $95.5 million cap) would be logical.

This length would provide Kakko with financial security, earning roughly $30 million, while still allowing him to sign another NHL contract at age 29. While $6 million might initially feel high, it’s consistent with comparable contracts, largely due to the anticipated salary cap increase. A five-year term would also reflect the Kraken paying for Kakko’s projected performance improvements.

Kakko holds arbitration rights, but his modest production to date likely gives the Kraken leverage, potentially leading to a salary lower than this projection. Alternatively, Kakko could choose to bet on himself with a shorter one- or two-year deal at a lower AAV, recognizing the cap will increase significantly—to $104 million by 2026-27 and $113.5 million by 2027-28. A shorter term would let Kakko hit the open market as a UFA as early as next year.

If he pursues a shorter contract, Pavel Zacha and Eeli Tolvanen contracts represent lower-end comparables, though Kakko would command a higher AAV. Expect a short-term contract to fall between five percent and 5.5 percent of the cap, roughly $4.75 million to $5.25 million annually.

This approach would benefit both sides, allowing Kakko to showcase his growth while enabling Seattle to assess his long-term fit and manage risk.

Ryker Evans

Target: Two years at $2.25-$2.75 million (approximately 2.8 percent of the cap)

Ryker Evans is completing his first full NHL season and has solidified himself as a versatile asset. Primarily a third-pairing defenseman with Josh Mahura, Evans frequently steps into higher roles when injuries arise.

He also shows promise quarterbacking the power play, though his opportunities are limited due to being behind Vince Dunn and Brandon Montour in the depth chart.

Evans averages significant ice time at 19:33 per game, notable for a third-pairing defenseman, highlighting the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.

Drafted as Seattle’s second-ever pick at 35th overall in 2021, Evans has justified the Kraken’s selection as an over-ager. Evans has four years of RFA status remaining and is not arbitration eligible, making a bridge contract of one to three years most likely.

Comparable contracts

Comparable contracts for RFA defensemen signed immediately following their entry-level contracts (ELCs), with similar performance levels and expiring during RFA years include:

  • Martin Fehervary: Three years, $2.675 million AAV (3.2 percent of an $83.5 million cap)
  • Nicolas Hague: Three years, $2.294 million AAV (2.8 percent of an $82.5 million cap)
  • Vince Dunn: One year at $1.875 million (2.3 percent of an $81.5 million cap)

Evans’ offensive skill set is similar to Dunn’s, as both are puck-moving defensemen who can quarterback a power play. Evans also contributes on the penalty kill. With the Kraken’s top-four defensemen seemingly locked in for next year, Evans is set to continue developing as the fifth defenseman. He could be preparing for a larger role once Jamie Oleksiak’s contract expires after the 2025-26 season.

Prediction

It feels likely that Evans will sign a bridge deal in the $2.25-$2.75 million range for one to three years, representing 2.5-2.75 percent of the salary cap. If the term were extended to four years, taking him to UFA status, his AAV would increase accordingly. In this scenario, former Seattle Kraken defenseman Will Borgen’s two-year, $2.7 million AAV contract becomes a more relevant comparison.

Borgen’s deal accounted for 3.2 percent of the cap, and Evans’ AAV would likely rise similarly. A four-year contract would likely push his salary into the $3-$3.5 million range, as the Kraken would be paying for additional control over his prime years.

Tye Kartye

Target: Two years at $1.3-$1.5 million (approximately 1.3 percent of the cap)

Tye Kartye joined the Kraken as an undrafted free agent, signing an ELC before the 2022-23 season. After spending one year with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, he made an immediate impression during Seattle’s 2023 playoff run when he was called up after Jared McCann was injured by Cale Makar (booooo!).

Primarily utilized in a fourth-line role during his first two seasons with Seattle, there was optimism he’d elevate his offensive game this year, but that has yet to fully materialize. After a solid rookie season with 11 goals and 20 points, Kartye’s production slowed this season, with only eight points in 52 games.

To reignite his game, he had a brief, successful conditioning stint in Coachella Valley, tallying four points (two goals, two assists) in three games. The stint appeared beneficial, as Kartye scored his first Kraken goal in over three months in his first game back.

Kartye’s physical style is a significant asset to his game. He ranks second on the Kraken with 154 hits, trailing only Tolvanen (202). However, when normalized by ice time, Kartye leads the team (minimum 10 games played) with an impressive 18.30 hits per 60 minutes, well ahead of Tolvanen’s 13.17. Kartye consistently brings energy and physicality, making him a fan favorite.

Comparable contracts

  • Alexei Toropchenko: Two years, $1.25 million AAV (1.5 percent of an $83.5 million cap)
  • Carl Grundstrom: Two years, $1.3 million AAV (1.5 percent of an $82.5 million cap)
  • Michael Pezzetta: Two years, $812,500 AAV (1 percent of an $83.5 million cap)

As an RFA, Kartye’s qualifying offer from the Kraken must be at least 105 percent of his current base salary ($775k), equating to a minimum offer of $813,750. Given his contributions, Seattle is likely to offer above this threshold.

Prediction

Kartye turns 24 on April 30, meaning he still has three years of RFA eligibility remaining. Expect the Kraken to provide a moderate raise, resulting in a two-year deal worth around $1.3-$1.5 million annually.

This contract would allow Kartye the opportunity to further develop his offensive potential and provide Seattle a cost-effective, reliable fourth-line player. The ultimate hope is that Kartye evolves into a consistent middle-six winger capable of contributing offensively before negotiating his next contract.

Mikey Eyssimont

Target: One-year extension at $850K-$975K

Though it’s a small sample size of just four games, Mikey Eyssimont has made his presence felt on the Kraken’s fourth line, even chipping in a goal. Eyssimont is a fast skater who consistently gets the puck to the net. Initially viewed as a minor piece in the trade with Tampa Bay, Eyssimont could become an affordable depth option for next season.

With 16 games remaining, the Kraken will use this period to further evaluate Eyssimont’s fit within their system. If his solid play continues, general manager Ron Francis could extend Eyssimont for one year with a modest raise, likely between $850K and $975K. It is possible a second year of term would be required to get the deal done.

A solid group of RFAs

With three pending RFAs this offseason, I anticipate the Kraken will make efforts to retain each player. Given the substantial salary cap increase of $25.5 million expected over the next three years, early negotiations may help the Kraken avoid potential offer sheets, which teams can submit starting July 1. While it’s unlikely another team presents an offer sheet that Seattle wouldn’t match, it’s a scenario worth preparing for.

What do you think the Kraken should do with their RFAs? Would you offer more or less money than what I’ve predicted here, or is there anyone you’d let walk?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Blaiz Grubic

Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.

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Three Takeaways – Jani Nyman scores in NHL debut as Kraken rally past Canadiens

Three Takeaways – Jani Nyman scores in NHL debut as Kraken rally past Canadiens

by | Mar 13, 2025 | Uncategorized

In a season that has brought some not-so-fun nights at Climate Pledge Arena, the Seattle Kraken managed to give their home fans a very fun night Wednesday. The Kraken rallied back from a two-goal deficit, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to send the game to overtime, and then secured a game-winner just four seconds into the extra frame courtesy of a dazzling set play between Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour.

Seattle got a few monstrous individual performances from players like Montour and Jordan Eberle, plus a magical strike from Jani Nyman in his NHL debut and some late-game Matty Magic to equalize.

The Kraken came out flying in the first but only capitalized for one goal while also ringing three shots off the post. Montreal took control in the second and scored four straight goals, but Seattle showed its resiliency once again and earned a thrilling comeback victory.

“It was a really good first period, and they get the power-play goal, and they get the 4-on-4 goal, kind of special parts of the game, and then get up in the game,” coach Dan Bylsma said. “And I think going into the third, our mindset was, we thought there was enough there for us to come back in the game.”

Here are Three Takeaways from a memorable 5-4 Kraken overtime win over the Canadiens.

Takeaway #1: What a night for Montour

I’m starting with Montour’s performance, although Nyman was arguably the bigger story. Don’t worry, we’ll get to him in Takeaway #2.

Remember, Montour had his first-ever hat trick against Montreal when Seattle hung eight goals on the Habs in their barn back on Oct. 29. On Wednesday, he again was the top statistical performer, notching a whopping four points (2-2—4).

On why he’s had so much success against that particular team, Montour said, “It’s just shooting the puck, really… Guys are finding me in the right areas, and [we have good] net front. It’s nice to see a couple go through.”

Montour was everywhere in this game and got rewarded with both the game’s first and last goals.

On the first goal, 4:54 into the first period, Jordan Eberle notched his first of three assists by jumping to knock down Jakub Dobes’ rim-around clearing attempt. He found Montour streaking in and laid it out for him to skate in, pick his spot, and rip it past the Habs netminder.

The last goal was the special one. As the teams lined up for the extra frame’s opening draw, the Canadiens positioned three players across the red line rather than keeping one back at the top of the circle for defense. Montour lined up on the right wing opposite rookie phenom Lane Hutson, who lamented after the game that he had “missed his check.”

Stephenson won the puck directly forward, and with the pre-determined play in place between the two players, Montour jumped past Hutson and was off to the races. He ripped a snap shot over Dobes’ glove and sent the fans home happy while also tying the all-time NHL record for the fastest goal ever to start a period.

“That was Chandler, to be honest. He came up with it,” Montour said. “I told Chandler just to make sure he was staying back, just in case anything went south. I saw he bumped it up, and we went for it, so it was nice to see.”

Bylsma called the play “brilliant.”

The goal was Montour’s 15th of the season, setting a new franchise record for goals in a season by a defenseman.

“Monty’s kind of one of the spearheads for how we want to play,” Bylsma said. “Play fast and quick and with some moxie and some jam, and he’s the type of player that just has the big-time, big-play ability for your team. Obviously [you see that] with four points tonight.”

Takeaway #2: A special debut for Jani Nyman

Sometimes, when a young player makes his NHL debut, you see nerves and tentativeness. We never once saw that from Li’l Jani Nyman in this game. On the contrary, on his very first shift, he threw his big body around to win a puck battle in the defensive zone and start a breakout, then went straight to the top of the blue paint in the offensive zone, where he could be seen on many occasions throughout the game.

On Seattle’s first power play, Nyman got his first chance to let his lethal one-timer fly at the NHL level and nearly dented the post behind Dobes.

On his next great power-play look, which didn’t come until 10:53 of the third with Seattle trailing 4-2, Nyman didn’t miss. Eberle gained the zone and took the puck deep before banking it off the boards to Montour at the point. Montour sent it right back to Eberle, and that little back-and-forth exchange, which seemed inconsequential in the moment, created just enough time for Nyman to get himself lost in the slot.

Eberle slid a cheeky little dish into Nyman’s wheelhouse, and he ripped a snapper past Dobes.

“It’s an amazing pass,” Nyman said. “It’s easy work doing the score. It’s almost an empty netter.”

Nyman became the first Kraken draft pick to score in his NHL debut (Beniers had an assist in his first game, then scored goals in his second and third games). His parents had flown in from Finland for the game, too, making for some beautiful reactions after he scored.

“The message to him is go out and leave no doubt about what kind of player you are and what you’re good at,” Bylsma said. “And I think he did a good job of showing that tonight.”

Bylsma then flipped the script in his presser, asking me what I thought of Nyman’s performance. I said, “I thought he played pretty well.”

Takeaway #3: Interesting lineup

**Author’s note: Before I get into this Takeaway, let it be known that I do not care how much ice time any player gets, including Shane Wright. I trust the Kraken know how to deploy him and have shown they know what they’re doing with his development. That said, there was a funny interaction related to his ice time after the game, so I’m sharing it.**

Seattle didn’t run full line rushes in practice Tuesday and held an optional morning skate Wednesday, so I wasn’t sure how they’d line up in this game. We knew Nyman was in, and we also knew Bylsma wanted to put him in a position to succeed, meaning a top-nine spot.

So, who would be bumped down to the fourth line?

Surprisingly, it was Shane Wright, who has been one of Seattle’s best offensive players since December. When we tweeted the lineup, fans freaked out about Wright on the fourth line, so I asked Bylsma about the thought process behind it.

“With Jani going into the lineup, we went with four centermen, with Canner in the middle of the rink,” Bylsma said.

Fair enough.

But then he added: “So you’re the only person labeling it as the fourth line.”

Whoa! Whoa! First of all, I am definitely NOT the only person labeling it the fourth line, but it definitely is a fourth line that played fourth-line minutes (Wright had the most ice time of the trio with just 10:40). Second of all, I only asked the question because fans seemed to be fired up about it on social media, and I wanted to give Bylsma a chance to explain why that happened in this game. 

Now, having said all that, I know Bylsma was (mostly) joking with his potshot at me, and I probably deserved it to some degree for asking a lineup question after a thrilling win. Plus, to further stuff me in that locker, the team looked mostly very good in this game and came away with a thrilling victory. 

So, I guess you could say the lineup worked? Either way, no need to call security, I will show myself out.

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.

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