Seattle Kraken mock draft: Who will be selected in Expansion Draft?
The expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken is just around the corner. Here’s how the whole draft could play out, and who the Kraken could end up taking from your favorite team.
After over two years of waiting, the expansion draft for the NHL’s 32nd team is nearly upon us. The Seattle Kraken will be drafting their inaugural team on Wednesday night, so let’s take look at how this draft could play out for all thirty teams.
The basic rules for the expansion draft are simple. Seattle will be selecting one player from each team’s exposed lists, equalling thirty total players. They must select a minimum of 14 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 3 goalies. Seattle must also reach the minimum salary cap $48.9M while staying under the maximum salary cap of $81.5M. The Vegas Golden Knights are also exempt from the draft.
Seattle can also make deals with all thirty teams to not take certain players that have been left unprotected, but those will not be factored in here. This mock draft is based solely off of all 30 team’s public protection lists, which can be found here.
Seattle Kraken draft: Who should be selected in NHL Expansion Draft?
Pacific
Anaheim Ducks- LW Alexander Volkov
The Ducks don’t have many options to help the Kraken too much right away, but some enticing younger options that could develop into higher roles down the line. Alexander Volkov still has some upside at 23 years old, and could still play in a bottom six role next season and perhaps develop into a larger role down the line.
Calgary Flames- D Mark Giordano
This is a no-brainer for Seattle for several reasons. Even at 37 years old, Giordano is still a top pair worthy defenseman, and will be one of the back bones of Seattle’s new defense. Giordano will also bring a much needed veteran leadership role to the Kraken as the long time captain of the Flames, which will be badly needed for a newly constructed expansion team. Even in the worst case scenario where Giordano suddenly doesn’t have it anymore, his contract expires after next season, so they’re not locked into anything.
Edmonton Oilers- LW Tyler Benson
Benson has played primarily in the AHL so far in his professional career, but the former WHL star still has some upside for Seattle to take a chance on him with not many intriguing options to pick from out of Edmonton.
Los Angeles Kings- C Blake Lizotte
Lizotte has started to carve out a solid role for himself in Los Angeles, and can jump right into a defensive bottom six role in Seattle. He still has room to grow at 23 years old, and like Volkov and Benson can grow into an increased role in the future.
San Jose Sharks- LW Ryan Donato
The Sharks are a bit bare on expansion options, but Ryan Donato has succeeded in limited NHL roles before in Boston, Minnesota, and San Jose. If the 25 year old could be able to find a permanent home in Seattle, he could turn into a consistent top nine forward as soon as next season, with perhaps more to come down the line.
Vancouver Canucks- RW Kole Lind
Vancouver’s contract situations makes them a less than desirable expansion target. However, Kole Lind has been a force in the AHL over the last two seasons, and will soon be vying for an NHL role whether it’s with Vancouver or Seattle. If he develops well, he’ll be a solid addition to an empty Seattle prospect pool.