2024 25 Kraken Roster Discussion

[Dead Coyote]

Beniers and Kakko don't seem to have any special kind of chemistry. It's Schwarz and Kakko that fit on that line.

I agree, Kakko is at least capable of cycling the puck and shooting the puck though and decent at passing.

 

[majormajor]

I was interested to see how effective our players, with over 25 GP, point production is in relation to TOI:

Player​	Position​	GP​	TOI​	Total Points​	Points/TOI​
Jordan Eberle​	R​	29​	459:22​	21​	0.0457​
Shane Wright​	C​	66​	906:51​	40​	0.0441​
Oliver Bjorkstrand​	R​	61​	943:52​	37​	0.0392​
Jared McCann​	L​	69​	1189:43​	46​	0.0387​
Kaapo Kakko​	R​	36​	631:46​	23​	0.0364​
Chandler Stephenson​	C​	68​	1334:12​	48​	0.0360​
Eeli Tolvanen​	R​	69​	968:28​	33​	0.0341​
Jaden Schwartz​	C​	69​	1249:48​	40​	0.0320​
Yanni Gourde​	C​	36​	557:45​	17​	0.0305​
Matty Beniers​	C​	69​	1279:58​	38​	0.0297​
Vince Dunn​	D​	49​	1086:09​	32​	0.0295​
Andre Burakovsky​	L​	66​	955:43​	26​	0.0272​
Brandon Montour​	D​	68​	1573:07​	39​	0.0248​
Brandon Tanev​	L​	60​	836:24​	17​	0.0203​
Ryker Evans​	D​	61​	1185:19​	23​	0.0194​
Tye Kartye​	L​	54​	521:16​	8​	0.0154​
Adam Larsson​	D​	69​	1461:49​	22​	0.0150​
Mitchell Stephens​	C​	28​	258:19​	3​	0.0116​
Jamie Oleksiak​	D​	69​	1314:09​	14​	0.0107​
Joshua Mahura​	D​	56​	761:36​	8​	0.0105​
Will Borgen​	D​	33​	501:51​	2​	0.0040​

Really hoping Matty bounces back next year because we need more from him as a 2C. Not being negative but outside of his 57 point season, he has left a lot of be desired.

It's even worse when you consider he's been getting more consistent PP time than most of those guys. FWIW it's normal practice to separate 5v5 scoring rates and PP scoring rates when doing this type of analysis.

At 5v5 Beniers is 2nd to last among forward regulars, narrowly ahead of Burakovsky. 1.46 P/60 is more of a 3rd liner caliber scoring rate. On the PP Beniers is dead last in scoring rate, at a "does not belong on the PP" caliber scoring rate.

 

[majormajor]

I've never been a big Brock Boeser guy but from the looks of it his warts are getting priced in. There is reporting that no one offered a 1st round pick for him as a rental. His price in UFA might be much lower than I previously expected.

And what I keep hearing is that Boeser is very good at making things happen once he's in the offensive zone, and that he just needs a center who can get the puck in the zone for him, since Boeser is so slow. It sounds like Beniers and Boeser would be very complementary players. Again, this isn't a player you pay top dollar for, but we might be a better fit for him than anywhere else.

 

[CLW]

It's even worse when you consider he's been getting more consistent PP time than most of those guys. FWIW it's normal practice to separate 5v5 scoring rates and PP scoring rates when doing this type of analysis.

At 5v5 Beniers is 2nd to last among forward regulars, narrowly ahead of Burakovsky. 1.46 P/60 is more of a 3rd liner caliber scoring rate. On the PP Beniers is dead last in scoring rate, at a "does not belong on the PP" caliber scoring rate.

So the Roslovic vibe I've been getting from Beniers is not off the mark. Very worrying for the Kraken. This makes it that much more important that Berkly Catton hits. This team needs more high end picks even if nobody wants to hear about it. There isn't enough "team" there yet to paper it over/fix it with UFAs.

 

[sigma six]

These comments make me wonder how mediocre the 2021 draft really was. Beniers was nearly just as likely to go 1st overall as Power. And yet I don't see another first round C that would have been a better choice.

So, his reality as we see it currently is "Two way C with some size. Average offensive potential".
This does not sound like a 1C to me, and certainly not a #2 overall pick. Despite other needs I think the team may need to take a hard look at Anton Frondell this draft if we miss the top-3.

Which is funny because my other team needs Frondell too.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

So the Roslovic vibe I've been getting from Beniers is not off the mark. Very worrying for the Kraken. This makes it that much more important that Berkly Catton hits. This team needs more high end picks even if nobody wants to hear about it. There isn't enough "team" there yet to paper it over/fix it with UFAs.

He is young and still has time but the concerns are there. To say he is not living up to his contract is an understatement. Maybe next season they give Wright the tough minutes and shelter Beniers to see if they can get his offense going. Since it is pretty certain that they start Catton, maybe see how Beniers does with Catton at his wing as the 3C on the team. Use Wright and Cups and the top-2 C's to see if that helps.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

These comments make me wonder how mediocre the 2021 draft really was. Beniers was nearly just as likely to go 1st overall as Power. And yet I don't see another first round C that would have been a better choice.

So, his reality as we see it currently is "Two way C with some size. Average offensive potential".
This does not sound like a 1C to me, and certainly not a #2 overall pick. Despite other needs I think the team may need to take a hard look at Anton Frondell this draft if we miss the top-3.

I am interested in Frondell for sure. I think the draft field seems to evening up a bit off late. Outside of Hagens, Misa and Schaefer, it looks like the others all have their own warts.

Martone
McQueen
Frondell
Eklund
Desnoyers

Any of those guys could end up being better than Beniers. I feel like all of them have a higher ceiling offensively than Beniers, maybe with the exception of Desnoyers who maybe at the same level? Like you said, that 2021 draft has been looking worse and worse.

 

[kihei]

Maybe it is just frustration talking, but I'm at the point with Beniers that if the right trade came along, I wouldn't object. I'm not sure he is ever going to be more than a complimentary piece, and perhaps a non-critical one at that.

 

[CLW]

I've never been a big Brock Boeser guy but from the looks of it his warts are getting priced in. There is reporting that no one offered a 1st round pick for him as a rental. His price in UFA might be much lower than I previously expected.

And what I keep hearing is that Boeser is very good at making things happen once he's in the offensive zone, and that he just needs a center who can get the puck in the zone for him, since Boeser is so slow. It sounds like Beniers and Boeser would be very complementary players. Again, this isn't a player you pay top dollar for, but we might be a better fit for him than anywhere else.

Boeser is very slow. Signing him would mean an identity crisis for a team that's focused on getting the puck up the ice with speed, especially under Bylsma.

 

[majormajor]

So the Roslovic vibe I've been getting from Beniers is not off the mark. Very worrying for the Kraken. This makes it that much more important that Berkly Catton hits. This team needs more high end picks even if nobody wants to hear about it. There isn't enough "team" there yet to paper it over/fix it with UFAs.

My "Roslovic vibe" is a talented guy that is a drag on the team when he isn't scoring. Beniers is at least solid.

These comments make me wonder how mediocre the 2021 draft really was. Beniers was nearly just as likely to go 1st overall as Power. And yet I don't see another first round C that would have been a better choice.

So, his reality as we see it currently is "Two way C with some size. Average offensive potential".
This does not sound like a 1C to me, and certainly not a #2 overall pick.

He won't be a 1C, but a 2C who can take tough defensive matchups isn't something I'm ruling out and there's value there.

Beniers went 2nd OA for certainty more so than upside, there was a lot of bust potential in the guys after him. Personally I'm glad my Jackets took KJ, it's working out, but a lot of folks wouldn't have been surprised if he didn't make it. And my personal favorite was Simon Edvinsson, I do wish the Kraken picked him, I think he's going to be a cornerstone #1D.

He is young and still has time but the concerns are there. To say he is not living up to his contract is an understatement. Maybe next season they give Wright the tough minutes and shelter Beniers to see if they can get his offense going. Since it is pretty certain that they start Catton, maybe see how Beniers does with Catton at his wing as the 3C on the team. Use Wright and Cups and the top-2 C's to see if that helps.

That switch might help get Beniers going, but I also like the value that Beniers can provide in giving Wright and others more offensive easier minutes.

Beniers has also had endless opportunity on the PP and with good forwards in offensive zone situations and it simply isn't his forte. He's played a lot of minutes in general - offensive and defensive - so unless he's tired from the defense (?) we can't say we haven't been giving him opportunity to score.

Boeser is very slow. Signing him would mean an identity crisis for a team that's focused on getting the puck up the ice with speed, especially under Bylsma.

You can't have an identity crisis if you don't have an identity.

I think for the same reason you mentioned, a lot of clubs won't even bid on Boeser.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Maybe it is just frustration talking, but I'm at the point with Beniers that if the right trade came along, I wouldn't object. I'm not sure he is ever going to be more than a complimentary piece, and perhaps a non-critical one at that.

Same here. I think there are two types of options for a Beniers trade which makes sense to us. Either a 1:1 for an equivalent young player who is struggling to make a big impact or take the next step OR for someone in a bundle for a Pastarnak type player. 1st (not this years) + Beniers should give more than enough to start conversations.

That being said, I think it's too early to move on from Beniers.

 

[Evgeny Oliker]

Any news on Stephenson injury?


Thanks

 

[Quackenator]

Same here. I think there are two types of options for a Beniers trade which makes sense to us. Either a 1:1 for an equivalent young player who is struggling to make a big impact or take the next step OR for someone in a bundle for a Pastarnak type player. 1st (not this years) + Beniers should give more than enough to start conversations.

That being said, I think it's too early to move on from Beniers.

I know he ain’t a center but I’d swap Beniers+ for Pasta. I’d take geekie back too but that probably won’t happen.

 

[Dead Coyote]

I think it's too early to move on from Beniers, yeah he isn't the 1C we want but we're somewhat likely to have a good shot at getting a 1C in the next 2-3 drafts. He's a solid 2C right now with a bit of a lapse on the offensive side of things but he's signed to a great deal, 50pt 22yo very young 2C defensively responsible. 7m is basically nothing with the cap going up and if he improves it'll be a steal. Even if he doesn't he's the kind of player you need to win games and as he gets older and bigger if we can mold him into a Lawson Crouse type he'll be worth his weight in gold.

 

[The Marquis]

I think it's too early to move on from Beniers, yeah he isn't the 1C we want but we're somewhat likely to have a good shot at getting a 1C in the next 2-3 drafts. He's a solid 2C right now with a bit of a lapse on the offensive side of things but he's signed to a great deal, 50pt 22yo very young 2C defensively responsible. 7m is basically nothing with the cap going up and if he improves it'll be a steal. Even if he doesn't he's the kind of player you need to win games and as he gets older and bigger if we can mold him into a Lawson Crouse type he'll be worth his weight in gold.

I fully agree. There is time for him. Beniers has a couple of things to work on for sure, and he needs to work hard on them, but he’s not an unrealistic distance from being a Bergeron type player. Yes, I’m aware that he has some serious work to do in a couple of areas and will likely need a bit more support on the wing, but he’s got potential to be worth every penny the Kraken are spending, unlike a couple others.

 

[gstommylee]

Seattle is not getting rid of beniers so give that a rest... Beniers was never a pure offensive center. Hes a more defensive minded two way center. SO getting rid of him cause he's not something people expect him to be is silly. So maybe he's not gonna be long term the 1C. We just have wright be the 1C then.

 

[gstommylee]

I think it's too early to move on from Beniers, yeah he isn't the 1C we want but we're somewhat likely to have a good shot at getting a 1C in the next 2-3 drafts. He's a solid 2C right now with a bit of a lapse on the offensive side of things but he's signed to a great deal, 50pt 22yo very young 2C defensively responsible. 7m is basically nothing with the cap going up and if he improves it'll be a steal. Even if he doesn't he's the kind of player you need to win games and as he gets older and bigger if we can mold him into a Lawson Crouse type he'll be worth his weight in gold.

We have other holes to fill on the roster so drafting another " top 6 center" with the sole purpose of playing center and only center isn't going to play for seattle as a center is not one of them. Said player will just get moved to the winger which is what we actually need that and more defensive prospects.

 

[CLW]

Seattle is not getting rid of beniers so give that a rest... Beniers was never a pure offensive center. Hes a more defensive minded two way center. SO getting rid of him cause he's not something people expect him to be is silly. So maybe he's not gonna be long term the 1C. We just have wright be the 1C then.

"If" Wright is good enough to be a real 1C. He looks like another 2C at his peak, albeit top end and with better offense than Matty's. There are not many "true" 1Cs in the league, a lot of teams make do with what they have. It's way too soon to think about trading Beniers, but acknowledging that he may not become a 1C is important too. Still, it's early, both of them are a few years away from maturity. The bottom line is that this team is far from a finished product, it still needs to focus on adding through the draft and the higher the draft picks the better.

Also, good young C are very valuable as trade ammo. Not all prospects are going to become full time Kraken players.

Re: the "Roslovic" archetype = great motor and skating. IQ and vision... variable. Obviously it's not a direct comparison between the two, more of a rough similarity.

 

[Bear of Bad News]

No Stephenson tonight.

 

[Dead Coyote]

We have other holes to fill on the roster so drafting another " top 6 center" with the sole purpose of playing center and only center isn't going to play for seattle as a center is not one of them. Said player will just get moved to the winger which is what we actually need that and more defensive prospects.

Our top center is a 50pt at best good two way forward. And you think we don't need center help?

We have McCann, Schwartz, Eberle, Tolvanen, Kakko Sale, Nyman, Rehkopf, Winterton and Firkus in our organization.

For centers we have Wright, Beniers, Stephenson, Kartye, Goyette, OFM and *maybe* Catton.

Where's our #1C? Where's the player who projects as a C and can play top line minutes while producing well and not being a detriment? It's *maybe* Wright and Catton, neither of which have shown anywhere close to that.

We have Dunn, Montour and Evans, that should be a decent or good top 4 already. We have Dragicevic, Price, and a few others who could worm their way into the lineup.

We're decidedly middle of the pack in GF and bottom of the pack in GA, but both our special teams suck, especially our PP.

We need help everywhere, and acting like we shouldn't draft a center due to positional need is beyond stupid, no offense.

We're basically in the same position the Coyotes were before the emergence of Cooley, and we don't have a Cooley. Maybe Wright or Catton if they get there. And that team is still failing due to lack of center depth.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Our top center is a 50pt at best good two way forward. And you think we don't need center help?

We have McCann, Schwartz, Eberle, Tolvanen, Kakko Sale, Nyman, Rehkopf, Winterton and Firkus in our organization.

For centers we have Wright, Beniers, Stephenson, Kartye, Goyette, OFM and *maybe* Catton.

Where's our #1C? Where's the player who projects as a C and can play top line minutes while producing well and not being a detriment? It's *maybe* Wright and Catton, neither of which have shown anywhere close to that.

100% agreed.

I would say Wright's development curve atleast is tracking in the correct direction but he is still a ways from us calling him a #1C. For Catton, the tools and toolbox are there, but there are some size concerns. That and seeing how he actually does at the pro level first.

We need help everywhere, and acting like we shouldn't draft a center due to positional need is beyond stupid, no offense.

We're basically in the same position the Coyotes were before the emergence of Cooley, and we don't have a Cooley. Maybe Wright or Catton if they get there. And that team is still failing due to lack of center depth.

This team still has nothing to show for in terms of elite talent. On offense and defense. BPA gives us the best chance to get elite talent to build around, so you aim in that direction.

Also, while I agree that it is too early for the team to move on from Beniers, if the correct opportunity to get an upgrade on the roster comes up, then why not consider it.

 

[Der Jaeger]

Sabres fan here. What does Seattle need on the NHL roster? Just getting a pulse for it as the Sabres may need a massive rebuild. Thanks

 

[kihei]

4-2 with no McDavid or Draisaitl. D going further and further south. Joey inching closer and closer to .900. Thank goodness for Kakko tonight.

 

[The Marquis]

Sabres fan here. What does Seattle need on the NHL roster? Just getting a pulse for it as the Sabres may need a massive rebuild. Thanks

Look at the Sabres. Imagine that they have a goalie they can count on. Then, imagine they don’t have a really solid D they can count on. Pretty much everything else is the same as the Kraken. A lot of hope without anything to back it up so far.

@Irie would have far more opinions about these two teams and will probably shit all over my drunken takes.

 

[Fuhrious]

If you told me before the season that Burakovsky would finish the year with 7 goals, I would have laughed in your virtual face.