SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 02: Shane Wright #51 of the Seattle Kraken celebrates his goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Climate Pledge Arena on October 02, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
With the preseason finally over, the Seattle Kraken can close the books on two weeks of Dan Bylsma’s classroom, building a system designed to produce at a relentless pace.
A month ago, questions lingered from a new coach, system, and effects on leadership, infused youth, and goaltending. Questions turned to more affirming answers after the Kraken cruised to a 6-2 victory in the preseason finale on Wednesday night over the Edmonton Oilers at Climate Pledge Arena, fresh off a two goal night from prospect center Shane Wright.
A total of 13 skaters registered a point, while Philipp Grubauer, facing an experienced Oilers lineup, turned in a solid effort with 28 saves.
TAKEAWAYS FROM THE PRESEASON
1. SHANE WRIGHT IS READY FOR THE NHL.
Wright delivered a preseason closing performance worthy of over 17,000 “bravos.” He scored twice against a seasoned Edmonton lineup, finished with three goals in the final two games, and showed overall marked improvement at the face-off circle.
“Confidence is building, confidence is getting up there,” said Wright.
He scored his two goals on Wednesday night in a variety pack. His first goal, a filthy spin to the backhand, while stationed at the front of the net, lit up Climate Pledge Arena and subsequent social media audiences. He then picked the corner on Olivier Rodrigue on a crafty moving screen, giving the Kraken a 4-2 lead late in the second period, that effectively put the game out of reach.
“It speaks to the maturity of his game over the last two years,” said Bylsma.
“He’s gaining the confidence to show (his shot) and use it, more often and often. Both goals are an example of that. But I think there have been multiple examples here in preseason where he’s shown it off.”
He's being trusted with power play ice time, and overall looks like a bonafide NHL hockey player at this point, centering Eeli Tolvanen and Oliver Bjorkstrand. As we await the final confirmation of the Kraken roster, he’s virtually checked off every box for an NHL opening day spot.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 02: Philipp Grubauer #31 of the Seattle Kraken makes a save against Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on October 02, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
2. THE GOALTENDING DEPARTMENT GOT WHAT IT NEEDED.
One certainty with regards to goaltending, two weeks ago, were which goaltenders would be here: Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer. The only questions remaining: who’s going to start opening day, and who takes the bulk of the workload?
For much of the preseason, that picture was as opaque as morning fog. Both goaltenders combined for five games and 16 goals allowed, even accounting their workload which included split-game duties. Daccord had a solid 19-save effort against the Canucks last Friday, followed up with a 4-3 overtime loss on Monday against the Flames. Grubauer played all the way in a 5-4 loss at Edmonton, in net for a three-goal rally in the final 22 minutes by the OIilers. He rebounded against an even stronger lineup on Wednesday with 28 saves, rarely (if ever) looked uncomfortable, and locked up the win with a likely full cast of seasoned defensemen in front of him.
How important was this one?
“Very important,” said Bylsma. “He was outstanding.”
“The PK there, the five on three, he had a couple big stops. But in the third as well, he made a couple of real big saves.”
3. DAN BYLSMA’S SYSTEM CAN CRANK IT UP.
At the start of training camp, Bylsma warned against any premature conclusions with the rule of “21 days” to build habits. On Wednesday morning, he hinted again that the build is still a work in progress.
If Wednesday night was still a work in progress, then mid-season form has the potential to range from “impressive” to “frightening.” After struggling to score in the first two games with a youth-laced lineup, the offense showed signs that it’s getting the hang of it – especially with the lineup evolving into the experienced category with newcomers Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson already contributing. From the first day, they’ve talked about skating and a high “compete” level as brands of their collective identity. From the third game of the preseason, the 3-1 win over the Canucks on last Friday, the Kraken scored 16 goals: 14 of them came at even strength situations. Several came from the front of the net.
“We know we can be a good team, we know we can make a difference and splash in this league,” said Wright. “We’re confident in ourselves and confident in our game.”
They can move, they can skate, they’re creative, they’re energetic, and the final preseason game showed us, when they’re at their best, they’re effective.
4. WE COULD STILL BE IN FOR MORE MOVEMENT.
Defenseman Cale Fleury’s AHL reassignment on Thursday to Coachella Valley (provided he clears waivers by Friday) knocked the roster down to 23 players, along with seven defensemen. The latter is what you’re looking, very likely, for the opening day roster and intended haul for defensemen the regular season.
The former, well, that’s a different story. While the Kraken are at a green-light limit of 23 players for the active roster, they’re still over the limit of the $88 million for the league’s salary cap. They are projected to be $1.6 million over the salary cap with the current group of players still in Seattle, according to puckpedia.com, and need a resolution with an assortment of options such as an injured reserve move, a minor league move, or a trade. Jared McCann’s lower body injury which kept him out of Wednesday’s preseason finale is considered by Bylsma as a day-to-day issue, and opening day isn’t until next Tuesday.
Opening day rosters are due into the NHL league office, from each team, by 2pm PT on Monday.
5. BYLSMA DIDN’T CLOSE THE DOOR ON A CAPTAIN.
This is a question gone publicly unsolved but remains an open discussion under new leadership, dating back to general manager Ron Francis’ remarks at last season’s end-of-year media day.
Francis earlier in training camp hinted at Adam Larsson as captain candidate, saying “he’d be in the mix” back on Sept. 11, shortly before camp started. Matty Beniers has been long considered as the future of this role, though he is still only 21 years old. His next door stall neighbor, Eberle, committed to two more years in Seattle, is incredibly articulate as a team dressing room spokesman, and has worn an “A” in this town over the last three years, drawing serious attention for the task. Similarly with Yanni Gourde: he sits near Beniers, and has worn a letter for three years (though he’s now in a contract year at age 32). Same goes for Jaden Schwartz and Larsson, as part of the leadership group since year one. Jared McCann has also earned attention for his production, energy, and spokesman abilities.
The Kraken open the season against the St. Louis Blues next Tuesday. With the letter “C” in the mothballs for over the last two years, is it coming out again by opening day?
“We’ll see,” said Bylsma.
Quite the way to close out the final preseason media availability session.