Introduction
I feel like there’s something important in hockey happening today, but I just can’t quite put my finger on it. Oh yeah, the NHL Expansion Draft! Welcome to part one of a one-day, two-part series of Devils Army Network’s Seattle Kraken expansion mock draft. 30 teams, 30 players, 32 franchises playing in the NHL next season. Let’s get started with:
Buffalo Sabres
Options: Z. Girgensons, C. Miller, W. Borgen
My Pick:
From the Sabres, the pick is Colin Miller. He’s been solid defensively the past few seasons on some bad Sabres teams.
Anaheim Ducks
Options: A. Henrique, K. Shattenkirk, H. Fleury
My Pick:
From the Anaheim Ducks, the pick is Adam Henrique. A familiar face for Devils’ fans, Henrique, for the most part, has been a solid two-way forward who can put the puck in the back of the net.
New Jersey Devils
Options: A. Johnsson, P. Subban, W. Butcher
My Pick:
From the Devils, this pick is Will Butcher. Butcher had a fantastic first two seasons in the NHL. He even led all rookie defenseman in points his rookie season. However, after a barrage of injuries and not fitting in Lindy Ruff’s system this past season, his play has faltered.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Options: M. Domi, D. Kukan, K. Stenlund
My Pick:
The pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets should be one of the easier ones for Seattle. Max Domi is really the only name that should catch Ron Francis’ eyes. He has the upside to score 60-plus points as their first line center. Domi should be a fun player to watch.
Detroit Red Wings
Options: V. Namestnikov, A. Svechnikov, D. Cholowski
My Pick:
From the Detroit Red Wings, the Seattle Kraken should select Evgeni Svechnikov. Brother of the Hurricanes’ Andrei Svechnikov, Evgeni is a skilled young forward who could have some upside as a bottom-six forward. This despite being drafted six years ago.
San Jose Sharks
Options: R. Donato, R. Simek, D. Gambrell
My Pick:
From the Sharks, the Kraken should select Ryan Donato. The Sharks have said that the team will not re-sign the 25-year old forward. Donato is a decent offensive option for Seattle that could fit nicely in the bottom-six. If he was selected, the Kraken would be the fourth team he’s played for in his young career.
Los Angeles Kings
Options: A. Athanasiou, A. Wagner, B. Lizotte
My Pick:
From the Los Angeles Kings, the Kraken should select Austin Wagner. The past couple of picks have been offensively-oriented, bottom-six forwards, so now now the Kraken go and grab a defensive bottom-six forward. Austin Wagner, who is signed for two more seasons at just over one-million dollars, has been a consistent two-way presence on the Kings’ fourth line for a few years now.
Vancouver Canucks
Options: M. Bowey, M. Highmore, K. Lind
My Pick:
From the Canucks, the pick is Madison Bowey. The former top Capitals’ prospect is a fringe NHL, probably AHL, defenseman at this point. However, the Kraken need to pick some guys like these to fill out their AHL team. The Canucks are the perfect team to pick someone like this from considering they don’t have anyone much better signed for next season.
Ottawa Senators
Options: M. Murray, V. Abramov, E. Dadanov
My Pick:
From the Senators, the pick should be Vitaly Abramov. Abramov is a somewhat young, skilled forward with middle-six upside. He has the tools to do well in an expansion organization which comes out of the gate not being very deep.
Arizona Coyotes
Options: C. Fischer, T. Pitlick, I. Lyubushkin
My Pick:
From the Coyotes, Kraken should take Chritian Fischer. Fischer is a defensive, penalty-killing forward that has put up okay numbers in Arizona. He’s only making one-million dollars a year for another season and could be a good pickup for the Kraken’s fourth line.
Chicago Blackhawks
Options: B. Connolly, A. Gaudette, C. Delia/M. Subban
My Pick:
From the Chicago Blackhawks, the pick is Collin Delia. Seattle needs to pick three goalies so might as well take a relatively young one who can play a few games in the bigs and is signed for next year.
Calgary Flames
Options: M. Lucic, M. Giordano, O. Kylington
My Pick:
From the Calgary Flames, the pick is veteran defenseman Mark Giordano. Giordano has been the captain of the Flames for the past nine seasons and has been with the organization for over 15 years. The former Norris trophy winner only has one year on his contract and would be a really solid pickup for the Kraken.
Philadelphia Flyers
Options: J. Voracek, J. Van Riemsdyk, S. Gostisbehere
My Pick:
From the Philadelphia Flyers, the pick is James Van Riemsdyk. Van Riemsdyk is a forward who specializes in offense, but isn’t too bad in his own end. However, his main draw is his goal-scoring ability. Van Riemsdyk has scored at least a 21-goal pace for each of his past 11 seasons.
Montreal Canadiens
Options: J. Drouin, C. Price, B. Kulak
My Pick:
From the Montreal Canadiens, the Kraken should select Brett Kulak. Kulak has put up solid numbers, especially defensively, since arriving in Montreal three seasons ago. He’d be a great pickup for the Kraken’s bottom-pair. Worth noting, former Vezina and Hart trophy winner Carey Price is available. However, given his terrible contract and not so great regular season play, he should be avoided.
Dallas Stars
Options: B. Bishop, B. Comeau, J. Oleksiak
My Pick:
From the Stars, the pick is goaltender Ben Bishop. The now 34-year old goaltender is one of the best goalies in the league when healthy, however he hasn’t been recently. If he’s healthy, then the Kraken will have a top-tier goalie. If not, then they put his contract on injured-reserve and sign another goaltender.
Conclusion
If you’re reading this right as it comes out, check back in a few hours for part two!