Vets vs. New Threats: The Seattle Kraken’s Roster Dilemma 🦑
- Erica L. Ayala
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
The Seattle Kraken are gearing up for Season 5 in what could be a make-or-break season for the remaining original Kraken players. With rookie camp kicking off and training camp fast approaching, the Kraken face a fascinating challenge: balancing their seasoned veterans with the rising stars eager to make their mark.
On Monday, I took a dive into the key storylines, player rankings, and exciting predictions for the Kraken’s 2025-26 NHL season through the eyes of one of my favorite MTV Classics: The Challenge.
What’s Brewing in Seattle? 🏒
The NHL offseason has given us plenty to talk about, from revamped lineups to fresh talent competing for roster spots. Yesterday on Locked on Kraken, I introduced a new theme ahead of the 29025 Training Camp: vets vs. new threats.
“This could very well be the theme of training camp, with young guns like Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Berkly Catton vying to make their presence felt.”
The Seattle Kraken’s final lineup from last season’s matchup against the LA Kings gives us a snapshot of the current roster framework. But with veteran departures and intriguing new talent on the horizon, the team’s lineup could look significantly different this year.
Will players like Tye Kartye and Ryker Evans hold onto their spots, or will rookies and prospects shine in training camp to claim their place?
The Athletic’s Under-23 Rankings 🌟: Seattle Kraken Players Make Their Mark
The Athletic recently ranked the best NHL players under 23, and the Pacific Division appears to be loaded with young talent.
Among the notable names: Matty Beniers, Seattle’s rising star, who ranked #18 in Tier 3 labeled “bubble NHL All-Star and top-line player”.
Another Kraken prospect, Berkly Catton, also made the list in Tier 3 at #20. Meanwhile, Shane Wright, a player many fans hope will break through, landed in Tier 4 at #25.
While no Kraken players cracked Tier 1, which The Athletic reserved for elite NHL players like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini.
Here are the Top 3 Seattle Kraken who made the list:
Matty Beniers: Ranked 18th, expected to maintain his top-six role.
Berkly Catton: Ranked 20th, could surprise fans by breaking into the NHL lineup.
Shane Wright: Ranked 25th, facing a tough fight for a top-six spot.
Our 29025 first-round pick, Jake O'Brien, was also featured.
Bold Predictions: Buying or Selling the Kraken’s Future?
Speculation is rampant as fans and analysts alike weigh in on what’s next for the Kraken. Here are three bold predictions from Clutch Points—and my take on each:
1. Joey Daccord Becomes a Vezina Finalist 🏆
Clutch Points predicts that Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord will step up with a stellar .919 save percentage this season and even contend for the Vezina Trophy.
I'm buying this one: “Joey’s focus and steady improvement make this a real possibility. He’s ready to take the next step.”
2. Kraken Return to the Postseason with a Wild Card Berth 🎟️
Seattle is forecasted to make the playoffs for the second time in franchise history, thanks to new additions like Mason Marchment and Frederick Gaudreau.
I'm cautiously buying this prediction: “While the roster as it stands today may not scream postseason, the Kraken have positioned themselves to make moves near the trade deadline. I believe in their ability to be competitive when it counts.”
3. Matty Beniers Leads the Kraken in Points 📈
The so-called “Year of Beniers” continues as Matty steps into the spotlight and takes over as the team’s points leader.
I'm dropping big money on this one: “It’s happening, folks. Matty B. is laser-focused, and I can’t wait to see how he elevates his game this season.”
Training Camp: The Battle for Roster Spots 🔥
As rookie camp kicks off this week, all eyes will be on the competition for roster spots. I note that the forward group has some gaps to fill, with players like Andre Burakovsky and Mikey Eyssimont no longer in the mix. Meanwhile, on defense, Ryker Evans could face pressure from other prospects eager to make an impact.
Key questions for training camp:
Can Shane Wright crack the top six, or will veterans like Chandler Stephenson block him?
Will Berkly Catton or Jani Nyman force their way onto the roster?
How will the Kraken’s lineup strike a balance between experience and youth as they build toward the playoffs?
What Do You Think? 🤔
Are you ready for the Kraken’s youth movement, or do you think the veterans should hold steady?
Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to stay locked on Locked on Kraken for all the latest updates, analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Let’s go Kraken!
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Although AI was used to summarize original and referenced content in this post, it was edited and posted by Black Rosie Media staff.
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