Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis addressed the post-deadline state of the Seattle Kraken on Sunday’s KHN telecast.
Despite trading mainstays Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde to Tampa Bay, and Brandon Tanev to Winnipeg last week, Francis said, “We’re a lot closer than some people think we are. This is not a rebuild. We’ve got a lot of pieces in place.
“We’re trying to make space to improve our team in the offseason. By moving contracts out, we’ve created around $20 million or more of cap space for free agency and potential trades. With 10 1st and 2nd round picks in the next three drafts, we have draft capital to use (on trades) as well.”
Credit-Steve Dunsmoor
Some prospects may get an NHL tryout in Seattle between now and the end of the season. “We look at what they do in the American Hockey League, juniors, Europe. Now we want to get a look at them at the NHL level. We’re not saying they’re ready right now. We’re trying to evaluate whether they can step into our lineup when training camp starts.”
On that list will be the team’s 2024 1st round draft choice. “Berkly Catton’s having an unbelievable season (at WHL Spokane), so he’s forcing our hand to take a look at him next season.” The 19-year -old center’s 38 goals and 67 assists in 52 games would tend to grab the attention of any GM. “He had 32 points in a 10 game stretch,” Francis noted. “Love his IQ, his skill set, the way he sees the ice, his passing ability.”
TV Hockey Voices Criticize Kraken Passivity
Dave Tomlinson works as a TV analyst on Hockey Night In Canada, as well as Canucks games for Sportsnet. Tomlinson previously worked alongside Everett Fitzhugh on radio during Seattle’s first two seasons. He commented after Vancouver scored shorthanded against Seattle on Mar 1.
“The bench just seems to droop after they give one up. One of the things Jared McCann was talking about, after the team gets scored on, the bench gets real quiet. Other teams kind of pounce onto the Kraken. Everyone’s quiet on the bench. No one’s yelling encouragement. That’s an energy thing. It’s awfully hard to play at this level if you’re not full of energy. Are they going to move their game forward, or feel sorry for themselves? They crumble a little bit after being scored on.”
It’s worth noting that the Kraken came back to win that Mar. 1 game, 6-3. In their next game against Minnesota, the Kraken rallied for two goals after falling behind 4-1.
Eddie Olczyk, known locally as an analyst on most Kraken telecasts, has been a network hockey presence for many years, currently for TNT. He also addressed lack of response, when the Kraken were getting outshot 22-7 during their 5-3 loss in Nashville on Mar. 6.
“At some point, somebody’s got to get a little angry on that bench. Gotta start figuring out who’s playing and who wants to play, and play those guys. At some point, a line in the sand has to be drawn. You can’t just keep getting rewarded when you go out there and not get anything accomplished. You hurt somebody’s feelings, that’s just too bad. We’ve had too many games like this.”
Campbell’s Story An Award-Winner
“I may be the first woman behind an NHL bench, but I’m surely not the last.” The words of Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell, at last month’s “Sports Star of the Year Awards.”
Cambell’s groundbreaking appointment won “Story of the Year.” Here’s more from her speech. “This award’s not about me. It’s all about progress. It’s about what happens when we stop asking if change is possible, and we prove that it is. When one door gets opened, it never really closes. This isn’t about re-writing the past of hockey or sports. It’s about defining the future. We’re just getting started.”
Campbell gave a shout-out to Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma, with whom she first partnered at AHL Coachella Valley. “This journey began three years ago in the minors. Thank you for seeing me for my ability. You believed in the idea that different voices and perspectives, when welcomed with equal knowledge and passion, builds stronger teams.”