Comments / New

Yanni Gorde is BACK

YANNI GO TIME.

Seattle did a bit more roster shuffling on Tuesday afternoon and there was one major addition to the lineup: Yanni Gourde will make is Kraken debut against the Devils in New Jersey.

Gourde had surgery in July to repair a shoulder issue that’s bothered him for several years now. The original timetable for his surgery pegged him to be out until at least late November—but apparently he’s quite the fast healer. Gourde made waves in training camp when he switched from a red non-contact jersey to a regular practice sweater just two weeks ago. He was named an alternate captain ahead of game one and has been with the team the entire road trip, and now we know that he wasn’t just along for the team bonding.

We’ll have to wait for the starting lineups to be announced, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him slot in on the first line between Jaden Scwartz and Jordan Eberle, unless head coach Dave Hakstol wants to ease him in a bit slower and limit his minutes in the first game. Either way, the prospect of adding a forward with his talent is huge for a team that’s struggled to score consistently through four games.

To make room for Gourde on the active roster, forward Kole Lind was sent back to the Kraken’s AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers. Lind played in just one game this year (the oh-so-forgettable Philly game yesterday) and didn’t record a point or a shot.

In less exciting news, Seattle also placed goaltender Chris Driedger on injured reserve, where he will have to stay for at least a week. Driedger was likely set to get his first start of the year on Tuesday in New Jersey, the second game in a back-to-back. In his place, the 25-year old Joey Daccord has been recalled from Charlotte. Daccord only has 7 NHL starts to his name, all with the Ottawa Senators. He did leave an impression during training camp and the preseason, where he allowed 2 goals on 21 shots across two partial games.

We’re still waiting on confirmation from the team, but expect Daccord to give Philipp Grubauer a rest tonight after starting the first four contests this year.

DavyJonesLockerRoom LogoLeave a tip to support our writers and staff!

CLICK HERE TO TIP