Kadri Kraks out of Seattle
Dec 19, 2023 1:32:04 GMT -5
NJDevilsGM and efischermann (BUF GM) like this
Post by krakengm on Dec 19, 2023 1:32:04 GMT -5
Seattle, WA - An incredibly rough start to the season has led to the departure of the most talented player. Nazem Kadri is off to Carolina. After an excellent first year with the fledgling club, Kadri was struggling to get going this year.
"Nazem never too a shift off for us, and he deserves to be in a winning environment," said GM Graber. "We appreciate everything he did for our organization - at the rink and in the community - and wish him all the best in Carolina."
Kadri's departure means opportunities open up for players like Isac Lundestrom and Juraj Slafkovsky. The move adds to the club's prospect pool, and future assets as well. Coming to Seattle are Logan Brown, who is expected to head to the Aviators to take the place of the recalled Slafkovsky, along with prospects Zach Benson and Chaz Lucius.
"Benson is a player we had rated in our top 10 for the [2023] draft, but we did have another pick after taking Carlsson. His inclusion was the clincher. We believe he will be a contributor for us as soon as next season. Lucius is a center we really like and expect to see him with the big club in a couple of seasons," said Graber.
Also coming to Seattle are a 4th round pick in 2024, a 5th round pick in 2025, and a 2nd round pick in each of 2026 and 2027.
The Kraken have also dealt Sammy Blais to Boston, along with a 7th round pick for Mike Hardman and a 4th rounder. It is expected that Keegan Kolesar will move up to the Kraken to take Blais's spot, while Hardman heads to the Aviators.
The struggling club picked up their win of the season before the departure of Kadri, but remain at the bottom of the standings. It was becoming apparent that it would take to much to push the club into a playoff picture, so the club is embracing a bit of a youth movement. Isac Lundestrom is expected to get a long look as the second line center, Juraj Slafkovsky will make his regular season debut, as will Keegan Kolesar. This morning's line rushes seemed to indicate that all of the lines will be shuffled but the defense parings will remain the same.
Coach Todd Reirden acknowledged that the club is trying a new look. "With Naz gone, we have to make some moves. Tyler has been our best player this year, so he'll take over as our number one, and Lundy will get a chance on the second line. Slaf is supposed to be a scorer, so we're going to see what he can do. No sense trying to turn him into a fourth line checker."
Youth will be the focus, hopefully they can embrace the changes and find a way to get some wins.
"Nazem never too a shift off for us, and he deserves to be in a winning environment," said GM Graber. "We appreciate everything he did for our organization - at the rink and in the community - and wish him all the best in Carolina."
Kadri's departure means opportunities open up for players like Isac Lundestrom and Juraj Slafkovsky. The move adds to the club's prospect pool, and future assets as well. Coming to Seattle are Logan Brown, who is expected to head to the Aviators to take the place of the recalled Slafkovsky, along with prospects Zach Benson and Chaz Lucius.
"Benson is a player we had rated in our top 10 for the [2023] draft, but we did have another pick after taking Carlsson. His inclusion was the clincher. We believe he will be a contributor for us as soon as next season. Lucius is a center we really like and expect to see him with the big club in a couple of seasons," said Graber.
Also coming to Seattle are a 4th round pick in 2024, a 5th round pick in 2025, and a 2nd round pick in each of 2026 and 2027.
The Kraken have also dealt Sammy Blais to Boston, along with a 7th round pick for Mike Hardman and a 4th rounder. It is expected that Keegan Kolesar will move up to the Kraken to take Blais's spot, while Hardman heads to the Aviators.
The struggling club picked up their win of the season before the departure of Kadri, but remain at the bottom of the standings. It was becoming apparent that it would take to much to push the club into a playoff picture, so the club is embracing a bit of a youth movement. Isac Lundestrom is expected to get a long look as the second line center, Juraj Slafkovsky will make his regular season debut, as will Keegan Kolesar. This morning's line rushes seemed to indicate that all of the lines will be shuffled but the defense parings will remain the same.
Coach Todd Reirden acknowledged that the club is trying a new look. "With Naz gone, we have to make some moves. Tyler has been our best player this year, so he'll take over as our number one, and Lundy will get a chance on the second line. Slaf is supposed to be a scorer, so we're going to see what he can do. No sense trying to turn him into a fourth line checker."
Youth will be the focus, hopefully they can embrace the changes and find a way to get some wins.
--- Johnny Pike for the Seattle Times