TORONTO — Because the Seattle Kraken chosen Shane Wright with the No. 4 choose within the 2022 NHL Draft on July 7, protection Jaime Oleksiak He stated he has had hassle containing his enthusiasm.
“I am excited,” Oleksiak stated on the tenth annual Smashfest on Wednesday. “I am glad we have been in a position to choose him. I believe he is an extremely gifted participant. He is undoubtedly earned it and I am excited to get to play him beginning in coaching camp.”
Smashfest, a charity ping pong event created and hosted by former NHL participant Dominic Moore, has raised greater than $1.1 million to help analysis into concussions and uncommon cancers.
Along with Wright, who was ranked No. 1 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting earlier than the draft, ahead matty beniers, who was chosen No. 2 within the 2021 NHL Draft, can also be anticipated to play a giant function for the Kraken in his second NHL season. Beniers, who had 43 factors (20 objectives, 23 assists) in 37 video games as a sophomore with the College of Michigan final season, had 9 factors (three objectives, six assists) in 10 video games with Seattle after making his debut within the NHL on April 12. .
Ahead Brandon Tanevwho scored 15 factors (9 objectives, six assists) in 30 video games final season earlier than struggling an ACL harm on Dec. 18 that required surgical procedure, was fast to counsel Kraken ought to give attention to incomes a playoff spot. of the Stanley Cup.
“There’s some thrilling younger expertise in Seattle with Matty arising and drafting Shane,” Tanev stated. “The purpose for us going into the season is to be very aggressive early on, to go on the market and push and push for the playoffs. The purpose is to make the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup.”
Video: Discussing Shane Wright being chosen fourth total
The Kraken completed final within the Pacific Division (27-49-6), 37 factors behind the Nashville Predators for the second wild card within the Western Convention playoffs. However Oleksiak stated he additionally does not see any motive why Seattle should not goal for the playoffs.
“That is the purpose,” Oleksiak stated. “You at all times wish to see slightly little bit of progress yearly. I do not assume you possibly can set your expectations too excessive, however I believe if we begin with a very good camp and construct on that momentum, I believe we are able to accomplish loads.” Final 12 months, there have been a number of obstacles that we handled, accidents and stuff. I believe we now have the items; it is only a matter of placing them collectively. Hopefully, the second 12 months, we’ll be slightly extra snug with one another. one other, have a very good camp and get out of there.”
The Kraken completed tied for twenty eighth in objectives per sport (2.60). Nevertheless, they later added Andre Burakovskywho scored 61 factors (22 objectives, 39 assists) in 80 video games with the Colorado Avalanche final season, signed him to a five-year deal ($5.5 million common annual worth) as an unrestricted free agent on July 13. He additionally received the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018.
“He is one other man who is aware of how one can win,” Oleksiak stated. “Now we have a man like Jaden Schwartz and who received a Cup (St. Louis Blues, 2019) and now bringing in Burakovsky who only recently received one, I believe it is going to be big for us. He’ll be a man that guys are going to look as much as and see how he did it. I am excited to see him on the ice and play with him.”
Tanev added: “He’s a really expert participant, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and we’re grateful to have him in our group. He’s going to convey some offensive abilities to our group and somebody who has proven he’s able to successful and that’s what we’re in search of. .”
when ahead johnny gaudreauwho was second within the NHL with 115 factors (40 objectives, 75 assists) final season with the Pacific Division-winning Calgary Flames signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tanev admitted his departure may change the face of the division. , however notices the Kraken. they only want to fret about themselves.
“It does, sure slightly bit,” Tanev stated. “We’re within the Pacific Division, however we’re probably not too apprehensive about anybody else. Our job is to get higher as a bunch.”
Though the Kraken by no means had a lot success on the ice in its inaugural season, Oleksiak and Tanev stated they felt an distinctive quantity of help from the fan base.
“It is an incredible metropolis,” Oleksiak stated. “While you play there, you possibly can’t assist however assume what the playoffs could be like, you realize what I imply? Wonderful followers, we really feel your help all 12 months lengthy. Hopefully quickly we may give them playoff hockey and a very good product on the market.”
Tanev stated that Kraken is concentrated on rewarding followers with an amazing efficiency this season.
“The season did not go the way in which we wished, however the followers, town, welcomed us with open arms,” Tanev stated. “Our followers are wonderful, the observe that we now have, town is nice. Going ahead, we wish to go on the market and push to be higher, push for the playoffs and push to compete for the Stanley Cup. I believe we owe it to town and the followers, and I believe that is what all of us hope to do that 12 months.