Kraken trim roster ahead of 3rd preseason game

The Kraken made the first of many roster cuts on Wednesday morning, sending six skaters back to their respective CHL clubs.

• Jagger Firkus — Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
• David Goyette — Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
• Kyle Jackson — North Bay Battalion (OHL)
• Jacob Melanson — Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)
• Ty Nelson — North Bay Battalion (OHL)
• Tucker Robertson — Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Five of the six players were 2022 draftees, while Melanson was drafted in 2021. Melanson is currently serving a 2-game suspension from his illegal check in the first preseason game. Firkus is the only other skater to appear in a game this preseason, with about 9 minutes of ice time on Tuesday night. His puck skills certainly did impress in training camp, but he’ll need just a bit more seasoning in juniors before making the leap.

There are more cuts on the horizon, as the team looks to trim down to 23 skaters by the time the regular season arrives. Be sure to keep an eye on these guys in the CHL next season though, especially Firkus, who will join a Moose Jaw team that ranked 10th in the CHL Preseason Power Rankings.

Who’s juniors career will you be following the closest this year?