Post by krakengm on Sept 10, 2023 14:39:48 GMT -5
Seattle, WA - With very little financial business to take care of this off season, news has been sparce in these parts. The Kraken are expected to activate a number of youngsters, but one veteran of the AsHL is excited by his new five year deal, and the message the club sent in how it was written.
Sebastian Aho toiled in the Oilers farm system before being selected by the Kraken in the Expansion Draft. Aho started the season with the big club last year, but after Roland McKeown came in and excelled as an emergency callup in the season, the club decided to give Aho a year in which he could play a lot and hone his craft. Averaging over 22 mminutes a game with the Seatac Aviators, Aho picked up 44 points in 76 games, along with another 2 in 5 playoff games.
"Yeah, it was tough being sent down again. I'm not getting any younger and really want a shot here," said the affable blueliner. "But I tried to work on the little things in my game and feel like I can come in again and win that spot."
"We leaned heavily on Sebie, and he really carried our back end," said coach Jeff Daniels. "The details in his game in our own zone came along nicely and he showed that he can move the puck and create offense for us."
"Yeah. putting up the numbers helped with my confidence, but what I really appreciated was the trust the coaching staff showed in me," said Aho.
Now, the entire organization has shown their appreciation for Aho with a new five year deal that increases in salary each season. That sort of faith in a player is something tthat can go a long way.
"I know I won't have anything handed to me. Reirden barely knows me, so I have to prove myself once again. But I believe I can not only make the team, but push for top 4 minutes and extra assignments on the special teams." Aho laughed and continued, "But let's not get ahead of myself, I need to make the opening night roster first."
The club bas the depth on the blueline, that nothing is assured, but if confidence counts for anything, we should expect to see a lot of Aho nexxt year.
-- Johnny Pike for the Seattle Times
Sebastian Aho toiled in the Oilers farm system before being selected by the Kraken in the Expansion Draft. Aho started the season with the big club last year, but after Roland McKeown came in and excelled as an emergency callup in the season, the club decided to give Aho a year in which he could play a lot and hone his craft. Averaging over 22 mminutes a game with the Seatac Aviators, Aho picked up 44 points in 76 games, along with another 2 in 5 playoff games.
"Yeah, it was tough being sent down again. I'm not getting any younger and really want a shot here," said the affable blueliner. "But I tried to work on the little things in my game and feel like I can come in again and win that spot."
"We leaned heavily on Sebie, and he really carried our back end," said coach Jeff Daniels. "The details in his game in our own zone came along nicely and he showed that he can move the puck and create offense for us."
"Yeah. putting up the numbers helped with my confidence, but what I really appreciated was the trust the coaching staff showed in me," said Aho.
Now, the entire organization has shown their appreciation for Aho with a new five year deal that increases in salary each season. That sort of faith in a player is something tthat can go a long way.
"I know I won't have anything handed to me. Reirden barely knows me, so I have to prove myself once again. But I believe I can not only make the team, but push for top 4 minutes and extra assignments on the special teams." Aho laughed and continued, "But let's not get ahead of myself, I need to make the opening night roster first."
The club bas the depth on the blueline, that nothing is assured, but if confidence counts for anything, we should expect to see a lot of Aho nexxt year.
-- Johnny Pike for the Seattle Times