Seattle Kraken mock draft: Who will be selected in Expansion Draft?

Central

Arizona Coyotes- LW Christian Fischer 

Arizona doesn’t have the highest end expansion targets, but Christian Fischer is still young and could be a solid development project to work into a bottom six role. If nothing else, his contract will expire next season if it doesn’t work out.

Chicago Blackhawks- D Nikita Zadorov

This is a pick up that would be better suited with a trade in mind for the Kraken. Zadorov is a big 6’6 defenseman that brings physicality to the table, but doesn’t always use his size to the best of his ability. But, large defensemen are a valued piece right now that Seattle could get some value for. If Calvin de Haan fetches more in a trade, that should be the pick here. If Seattle is looking for a player here, center Adam Gaudette should be the pick.

Colorado Avalanche- RW Jonas Donskoi

Donskoi has been a great middle six contributor for the Avalanche over the last two seasons, and if he’s able to sustain his career high shooting percentages, he’ll be great option for the Kraken on the wings for a reasonable cap hit for the next two seasons.

Dallas Stars- LW Nicholas Caamano

This is a selection where you save some cap space and see if you can build up some future prowess. 22 year old Caamano still has some work to do to make the NHL full time, but with the right development, can turn into something down the line. There’s always the option to take a chance on Ben Bishop in goal, but with his injury history, it might be best to steer clear.

Minnesota Wild- G Kaapo Kahkonen

There shouldn’t be too much thought about this one for the Kraken. Kaapo Kahkonen was part of lethal goaltending duo with Cam Talbot last season in Minnesota, and at just 24 years old, there’s a lot of upside for him to turn a legit starting goaltender in the near future.

Nashville Predators- LW Calle Jarnkrok

The Predators were the only team to protect five defenseman for the expansion draft, leaving the majority of their offense exposed in a clear attempt to rebuild it. Out of all the exposed forwards, Jarnkrok is on the best contract, puts up the most consistent numbers, and is supported by strong defensive metrics. He should fit nicely into their top nine, and could fetch a pretty penny at the trade deadline if Seattle sells.

St. Louis Blues- RW Vladimir Tarasenko

Things have fallen apart between the Blues and Tarasenko over the last two years following some botched shoulder surgeries. IF Tarasenko is able to return to full health, the Kraken will have grabbed themselves a top line cornerstone for at least a few seasons. If not, they’ll be paying a lot of cap for not a lot of production, but still manageable for just two seasons. It also helps that Tarasenko is an attractive trade chip, especially if Seattle is willing to retain some salary. But if Seattle is looking to save on some cap space, defenseman Vince Dunn is a solid option instead.

Winnipeg Jets- D Dylan Demelo

This was a difficult one to decide on. The decision came down to Demelo and RW Mason Appleton. Appleton had a nice breakout season with the Jets last season and is a bonafide top nine winger, but he’s a winger. Demelo is the definition of an analytical darling, but most importantly, he’s a right shot defenseman which are always at a premium. It also helps that he’s locked up for three more years, giving Seattle security at an important position. Finding another Demelo is harder than finding another Appleton.