CALGARY, CANADA - NOVEMBER 1: Jamie Oleksiak #24 (L) and Joey Daccord #35 of the Seattle Kraken celebrate after defeating the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 1, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Kraken defeated the Flames 5-4. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)Photo: Derek Leung / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
It could be a matter of time before the Seattle Kraken take another big step toward opening night.
Sunday brought back another two-group session to Kraken Community Iceplex, on the eve of the final pre-season home game against Edmonton, to further explore the open spots for jobs on the big club (hint: there’s not many) and the progress of a team built on transition and the forecheck.
“We’re working to build our team game, to get closer to what a what a regular season game looks like,” said Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol. “We're not there yet. We’re not in our execution and the pace that we're doing things. So, we'll continue working towards that.”
The early morning session, which included power play work, grouped together plenty of regular roster players, including some who could be on the short list for opening night jobs. Virtually the entire top nine was grouped together, anchored by centers Matty Beniers, Alex Wennberg, and Yanni Gourde. Noticeably, Shane Wright was visible centering the fourth line, flanked by wingers Kailer Yamamoto and Tye Kartye.
Defenseman Ryker Evans also joined the early morning group, paired with Adam Larsson.
Though the construction of this season’s habits is still a work in progress, Jared McCann pointed out a massive step forward even compared to one year ago, when he tucked a career-high 40 goals.
“Way more confident,” said McCann. “Last year we had a great season, but I feel like we could have done better. Coming to camp, and seeing all the guys who have gotten bigger, stronger, and even our young guys - especially Matty (Beniers) – he looks great, he looks awesome on the ice. So, we're that older, more experienced and we're just feeling much better.”
Hakstol said roster picture will become clear as the week advances, toward the pre-season finale at Edmonton on Friday.
“The other obvious piece is just the competition for spots,” said Hakstol. “As you get to this time, in camp, those become a little more acute and a little bit clearer. So, these are important games and an important week for guys.”
Joey Daccord, who has appeared in both pre-season home games and yet to allow a goal, was moved to the late morning group. Chris Driedger, still present and battling for a spot behind Grubauer, took a turn backing up his stallmate from two seasons ago for the early morning session.
Daccord, last year’s goaltending rockstar for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, examined the level of satisfaction with his game.
“I'm happy with it,” said Daccord. “Obviously, really happy with my season last year and how it finished. Just happy with where my game’s at, sort of trying to continue that, keep my head down and work as hard as I can.”
Team bonding in Suncadia
Training camp and the core value of “intensity” go hand in hand. To balance the pace, the Kraken took all of Saturday off and together headed for the mountains of Cle Elum, Wash.
Their destination: Suncadia Resort for golf, and the accompanying Prospector Course – a challenging, undulating and lightning-slick green laced track laying out at 7,112 yards (the Kraken said they moved up and played the “blue” tees).
It's well known that Justin Schultz is perhaps the most skilled golfer on the team. But defenseman Cale Fleury bested everybody and torched the day by shooting an even par 72.
“He’s a player,” said Schultz.
Jared McCann saw Fleury’s hot day up close, playing in a group together with last season’s Firebirds farmhands Andrew Poturalski and Max McCormick, saying players were grouped together via a draft.
“We had a good little match going,” said McCann.
“(Fleury) knows where the ball’s going. Every single time. He doesn’t do anything special. He’s just consistent.”
Vince Dunn, day off
Defenseman Vince Dunn was noticeably absent from practice on Sunday but ruled out afterward by Hakstol with a “maintenance day.”
Dunn, who signed a four-year, $29.4 million extension this past summer, has an assist in one pre-season game. Voted last season’s team most valuable player as winner of the Pete Muldoon Award, the top pair blueliner had a career-high 14 goals and 64 points in 81 games last season.