First Look At The Kraken

The newest NHL team has a strong Winnipeg connection at the expansion draft as Winnipeg-born Chris Driedger models the new home jersey for the Kraken while former Winnipeg Jet Brandon Tanev models the road jersey. Toss in another Manitoba connection with Morgan Geekie and another Jets connection with Mason Appleton both being chosen by the Kraken, and the Keystone Province has fingerprints all this Seattle Kraken team. There were thirty players selected tonight by the Kraken, though, so let's take a look at the first roster of the thirty-second NHL team.

Surprisingly, the Kraken have no zero side deals to report regarding trades. Of course, they were part of the NHL trade freeze that's in effect until 1pm ET on Thursday so not announcing trades makes sense, but I get the feeling that Ron Francis may not be done when it comes to improving this team. If you recall, Vegas added all sorts of talent through trades for their inaugural season, and I suspect with $30 million in cap space that Francis may do the same.

Admittedly, there are some good offensive players here, but this team will be very defensively-minded, it seems. A vast number of their forwards are solid two-way players while they have some very good, very physical defencemen who will help protect the young netminding tandem of Driedger and Vanecek. Don't expect any fifty-goal scorers to come out of this group, but I would expect the Kraken to play some low-scoring, tight hockey games where they'll have a chance to win.

How do you think the Seattle Kraken fared in their expansion draft? Were there any surprises? Were there players you thought they should have picked? Leave your comments below and we can discuss these missed opportunities!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!