3 Kraken Prospects Dot Elite Major Junior Lists

Kraken General Manager Ron Francis is trying to build a winning franchise and one of the tried and true methods is through the NHL Draft. Of course, that’s the method that takes the longest, there are no guarantees, and patience is a virtue.

For now, aside from the fact the team desperately needs a number-one center, the horizon looks good based on the first three Kraken drafts, with the 2024 NHL Draft coming up in late June.

Although he had the classic “sophomore slump” 2nd year, 2021 1st-rounder Matty Beniers won the 2023 Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year and has proven to be a versatile performer. He’s looking to add strength to his slight frame to become a solid number-two NHL pivot.

Finnish winger Jani Nyman has a lot of eyeballs on him for his heavy shot and his potential, while junior center Ryan Winterton has already seen some regular season NHL action. As have a few others in the system.

2021 2nd-rounder, defenseman Ryker Evans, is already a regular in the ‘big show’.

Next Kraken Wave?

Based on the recent Canadian Hockey League (CHL) awards, from the umbrella organization that oversees the three major junior leagues, we may be seeing our next wave of legitimate Kraken prospects, all three of them having previously attended the club’s summer development camps.

Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) right shot center Jagger Firkus won the scoring title among all of the major junior leagues and was named the CHL most valuable player. He was automatically slotted on to the CHL’s postseason 1st all-star team.

The convenient pecking order continues. David Goyette, another Kraken 2nd-round pick in 2022, won the Ontario Hockey League scoring title (117 points) and was named to the CHL 2nd all-star team.

And last and just a little bit least, Carson Rehkopf was named to the CHL 3rd all-star team. The 2023 2nd-rounder turned 19 in January while posting 95 points for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL.

If the Kraken can hit on a couple of more picks later this month, their cupboards will be somewhat stocked. Again, there’s no guarantee these guys will be NHL regulars, but we’re sayin’ there’s a chance.

Francis can turn his attention to the trade and free agent markets to address the club’s immediate needs.