SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 30: Jared McCann #16 of the Seattle Kraken celebrates his goal during the third period against the Calgary Flames at Climate Pledge Arena on December 30, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images
Kraken radio play-by-play voice Everett Fitzhugh, color analyst Dave Tomlinson, ESPN's John Buccigross and Sportsnet's Jeff Marek joined Overtime with Mike Benton to talk about the trade deadline, the Kraken future with draft picks, Matty Beniers, the 2022 Draft Class, and more!
On the Kraken trade activity preparing a pathway for this summer and next season (Dave Tomlinson):
"Ron Francis has got all the assets or capital he needs, so that when the summer comes around, when free agency comes around, when the draft comes around, he's the one with their scouts and coaching staff who can hand-select what the franchise needs for a competitive year starting next year."
On Matty Beniers (John Buccigross):
"He's as rock solid as they come. He's ready to play in the NHL. He's fast. He plays all 200 feet. Responsible. Now, he plays the center of the ice and he is young - it's going to take awhile - this isn't Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid stuff. This is different. But it really is - Patrice Bergeron - probably his model. That's about the guy you're looking at - who can become a responsible 'Selke' guy, who can score, shoot, skate, and like I said will be a captain one day."
On building around the Kraken core (Everett Fitzhugh):
"We learned the core of this team - the group that Ron Francis and Dave Hakstol want to build around is still here. You sign McCann to a five by five. Yanni Gourde, Jordan Eberle all those guys have gone on record very publicly saying they want to be here. They want to win here, and they want to help Seattle become successful."
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