Building Seattle: Projecting The Kraken’s 2021-22 Opening Night Lineup

The Seattle Kraken officially have a roster of NHL players.

Interesting choices were made, as a lot of star power was passed up in favor of young players with seemingly higher ceilings. Notable omissions included Carey Price, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Kaapo Kähkönen.

“We are proud to announce our expansion draft picks,” said Ron Francis, Kraken General Manager. “It has been a crazy week and we still have work to do, but we are building a roster of players who will play with passion and determination and be proud to wear the Kraken jersey.”

Of the 30 total drafted players, Seattle took 15 forwards, 12 defensemen, and three goaltenders. Their current cap hit is just $50.7 million. With $30.7 million in cap space, this team can absolutely go big game hunting once free agency opens up—a scary thought for the rest of the league.

Any mystery surrounding this team quickly disappeared many hours prior to the 8 p.m. ET expansion draft start time, thanks to some sleuthing from various hockey insiders. But the question remains—how do the Kraken plan on deploying their array of acquisitions?

In this exercise, Seattle has signed some free-agent forwards in an attempt to become more threatening up front. They also signed pending RFA Vince Dunn. Let’s see how they (we) did.

The stage is set. Your city. Your team.

Seattle, it’s time. pic.twitter.com/3VAGUuRXBf

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 21, 2021

The Projected Forwards

Potential Free Agent Signings

The first noteworthy UFA signing was winger Jaden Schwartz. The 29-year-old was brought in to play on the left side within the top-six, inking a four-year deal with a $6.25 million AAV.

This contract is a modest upgrade to the five-year, $26.75 million ($5.35 million AAV) million ticket Schwartz signed back in July of 2016. Both last year and 2018-19 were disappointing, as he only scored at a 40-45 point pace in those two seasons. The other three years, however, saw totals of 55, 59, and 57 points respectively.

In short, Schwartz is a bonafide top-six left-winger, when healthy. He’s played up to that potential more-often-than-not throughout his career, which is why Seattle has had continuous interest.

The second name that will likely stick out is Phillip Danault. The 28-year-old center has been a very important member of the Montreal Canadiens over the past five seasons. Last year, his offensive output was streaky and limited, but he did manage to rack up 47 points in 71 games two seasons ago, and 53 points in 81 games during the season before that.

Danault may have offensive limitations, and he’s not the most ideal first-line center in the world, but he’s also one of the best options available. Especially since he won’t break the bank. In this scenario, he signed a five-year deal with a $4.75 million AAV, which is a significant raise from the $3 million he made last season.

His 200-foot game is good enough to be in the top-six, which is why he’s been in the Selke conversation for the last three seasons. He would, at the minimum, be able to hold down the fort defensively until Yanni Gourde returns. For those who aren’t aware, Gourde is now expected to miss the next four months following shoulder surgery.

The next player of note is another recent member of the Canadiens—Tomas Tatar. After posting back-to-back 58+ point seasons, including 61 points in just 68 games during 2019-20, Tatar slowed down this past year. The 30-year-old recorded a very modest ten goals and 30 points over 50 games in 2020-21, and was a healthy scratch for all but five games during the Habs’ unlikely playoff run.

In this circumstance, he’s signed a three-year deal with an AAV of $5.5 million. All of the hypothetical contracts listed above are best-case scenario, although perhaps more realistic than they typically would be given that teams are living in a flat-cap world.

The last of the free agent signings is Jordan Martinook. This is a player that Francis is very familiar with, and he could likely be had on a three-year deal with an AAV around $1.75 million.

The 28-year-old is your prototypical, modern-day Swiss army knife, who can move around the lineup to provide depth as needed. His offensive upside is limited, but he has the ability to compliment good players and can play in a variety of situations at both ends of the ice. He’s also well-known for his leadership, wearing an ‘A’ in Carolina while being a locker-room favorite.

Our very own @jeberle_7 dropped in with a special message for our city. 💙 pic.twitter.com/JDmufJnh4s

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 22, 2021

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Expansion Draft Acquisitions

Now that the free agent forward signings have been discussed, let’s take a look at the rest of the forward corps. Selecting Jordan Eberle was certainly a highlight of the expansion draft. The 31-year-old has six 20+ goal seasons under his belt, and is still a competent top-six forward at this stage of his career.

Calle Jarnkrok is a solid middle-six forward who can play both up the middle and on either flank. Offensively speaking, the 29-year-old is usually good for 10-15 goals and around 35 points. He’s better suited for the wing (and the third line), but will likely have to take on an elevated role until Gourde returns.

Joonas Donskoi slots in nicely on the second line after recording a career-high 17 goals over just 51 games last season. The 29-year-old brings a nice all-around game with some scoring punch, which is always welcome from middle-six wingers.

The third line features a Brandon Tanev/Jared McCann reunion. Tanev, aka ‘Turbo’, was a fan favourite in Pittsburgh and is already well on his way to feeling the same affection from Kraken fans following his comical antics at the expansion draft. His upside is limited compared to McCann, but both are solid third-line options who could potentially see themselves rise in the lineup.

Mason Appleton rounds out this trio, and is likely the most exciting of the bunch. This past season, he played on what was widely regarded as “one of the best third lines in the league” with Adam Lowry and Andrew Copp. Appleton racked up 12 goals and 25 points in 56 games and at age 25, the best may still be yet to come.

The fourth line is centered by Nathan Bastian, who isn’t much of a player to write home about. With that being said, he’s a great fit at the bottom of the lineup. The 23-year-old is a pretty underwhelming skater, but his 6’4, 205-pound frame somewhat helps to make up for that. He’s certainly a great energy guy, and can even penalty kill in a pinch. He seems to have maximized his NHL potential but there could be room for more, given his age.

Colin Blackwell had a fairly productive season for the New York Rangers last year, all things considered. His 12 goals and 22 points are both career highs, although some of that can be attributed to the fact that he played with both Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome at times. Still, the 28-year-old can compliment good players, and has a solid work ethic. He’s definitely a fourth-line luxury, who could eventually move up to the third line.

In short, this is an intriguing group with a healthy mix of established production and upside. With Gourde on LTIR, $12.4 million in cap space remains.

Time to get to work, @CB__43!

See you soon! pic.twitter.com/SJKjPopW4w

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 22, 2021

The Projected Defensemen

Top Pairing

The top pairing features former Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano. This was quite a pick for Seattle to make, given the legacy the 37-year-old leaves behind. He had been a member of the Calgary Flames since making the team as an undrafted walk-on back in 2006, and also served as the captain for several seasons. Although his career is on its tail end, he still likely has a couple of more years left in the tank.

By his side is the aforementioned 24-year-old Dunn, who was awarded a two-year, $2.5 million bridge following an arbitration hearing in this scenario. Despite struggling at times over the past season, there’s a lot to like about the young stud rearguard. After all, he already has a Stanley Cup under his belt and is absolutely capable of playing in the top-four while averaging around 20 minutes of ice time per game.

Second Pairing

The second pairing will essentially function as the Kraken’s ‘shutdown tandem’. Adam Larsson has constantly been under a microscope over the last few seasons, which is understandable given that he was acquired in exchange for Taylor Hall, who went on to win the Hart with New Jersey.

Despite the criticism, Larsson is more than capable of being an effective, defensive-minded rearguard. His projected partner, Jamie Oleksiak, has been inconsistent at times throughout his career so far. On the other hand, he’s generally performed well when it really counts, and he would definitely have generated a lot of buzz on the open market. Especially from a team like the Colorado Avalanche, for example, who could probably use his services after losing another big body in Ryan Graves.

One thing this pairing will certainly lack is footspeed, but they do have great size and defensive prowess. Especially Oleksiak, who stands at 6’7. If things look bad after the first handful of games, splitting these two up would definitely be feasible. With that being said, they were both brought in to play this role. In an ideal world, they can take on most of the tough minutes so that Giordano, and others, can start the majority of their shifts in the offensive zone.

👋 @jamieoleksiak pic.twitter.com/cfSnXtpiJz

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 22, 2021

Third Pairing

The third pairing will be interesting to watch, given the plethora of options the Kraken have. Carson Soucy looks to be a lock, as he possesses great skating ability and defensive awareness for someone of his size. In fact, he likely has the highest potential ceiling of any defenseman on the team, and could even see time on a shutdown pairing as well. His ability to play on either side also adds value.

Soucy will likely be flanked by 24-year-old Jeremy Lauzon. The future is bright for the Quebec native, who was taken in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins. He really started to come into his own last season, and looks poised to take the next step.

Other potential bottom-pairing options include Haydn Fleury, who hasn’t lived up to being picked in the first round. Although he is another player who Francis knows very well, given that he drafted him. Despite this, Fleury could competently fulfill a bottom-pairing role. Alternatively, Kurtis MacDermid and unsigned RFA Dennis Cholowski could also see time there, depending on how things shake out following training camp.

The Projected Goaltenders

Many thought the Kraken might opt for the brand name, but it’s easier to pass on Price and his borderline insane cap hit when a goalie of Chris Driedger‘s caliber can be had for a fraction of the price.

We can’t wait either, @ChrisDriedger!

Welcome aboard. 😏 pic.twitter.com/9M8pvbcQ8c

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 22, 2021

Who Will Start?

It’s been a long road to the front of the crease for the 27-year-old, who was taken in the third round (76th overall) by the Ottawa Senators in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He’s only performed well over a small sample size, but he’s also been trending in the right direction for years. A breakout of this quality is somewhat surprising, but a breakout of some sort was always on the way.

The Florida Panthers have been struggling to find consistent goaltending since Roberto Luongo‘s departure, and Driedger gave them just that and then some. Given his cap hit, he’s a steal, and he’s also used to playing in a tandem. This is helpful given that Vitek Vanecek is more of a 1B, as opposed to a backup.

Who Will Be The Backup?

At just 25 years old, Vanecek is just starting to hit his stride, and the sky’s the limit in regards to his potential. After stealing the starting role in Washington last season, people began to take notice. There was a carousel of netminders in the Caps’ crease during 2020-21 due to COVID-19 protocol and other injuries, so Vanecek is used to sharing as well.

Joey Daccord is firmly the number three, but he’s also young with a lot of potential. The Sens certainly weren’t happy to lose him, especially after Matt Murray‘s disastrous year. Daccord could see time in the minors, and is a very re-assuring backup to have on hand in the event of an injury.

Can This Lineup Compete For The Playoffs?

In short, yes. There’s a good chance they’ll miss, even with the signings above, but they’ll at least compete for a spot. The Pacific Division has been pretty weak in recent years, so Seattle is in the best spot they can be in terms of projected playoff chances. Regardless of first-year success, this franchise and their fans are more than ready for the rollercoaster ride of a full season.

“Today is a historic day for the Seattle Kraken organization and I am very proud of the work Ron and his team have done over the past two years to prepare us,” said David Bonderman, majority owner of the Kraken.

“The fans have been incredible throughout this journey, and I am excited for them to have players to root for and for our players to meet our amazing fans. We now look forward to jersey launch, training camp, preseason and then taking on the Canucks at home in October.”

10.12.21

The Kraken Awakens pic.twitter.com/osMCoI9Ua3

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 22, 2021