Three different draft experts predict the Seattle Kraken – stop me if you’ve heard this before – will take a center with the 7th overall pick in next month’s NHL Draft.
The Kraken in their first five drafts selected pivots Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, Eduard Šalé, Berkly Catton and Jake O’Brien in the 1st round. Of course some centers get moved to wing, at least early in their NHL careers.
(Side note: with his Brantford Bulldogs eliminated from the OHL playoffs, O’Brien was reassigned to the AHL Coachella Valley for the remainder of the Firebirds’ postseason run.)
This year’s Kraken center of attention is Viggo Björck, who played both center and right wing for Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League. That’s according to early mock drafts by James Dator of SB Nation, Scott Rogust of Fansided, and of Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff.
Rogust on Björck: “Björck stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 177 pounds. He may not have put up a crazy amount of points, but he can get possession of the puck in the face-off circle and play defense. With Djurgardens IF, Björck recorded six goals and nine assists in 42 regular season games, and three points in three playoff games (one goal, two assists).”
Ellis on Björck: “If they elect to go the center route, why not go with one with tremendous upside?
“Björck played first-line minutes to close the SHL season out, which is incredible given he was 17 for most of the year. He impressed at the World Juniors and has looked excellent with the Swedish men’s team ahead of the World Championship. He might be small, but he’s not afraid of physical play and is a wizard with the puck.”
Corey Pronman of The Athletic added this Björck scouting report.
“Optimist’s case: Björck could be a play-driving, top-two-line center who is so smart and competitive that, despite his 5-foot-9 frame, finds a way to play major NHL minutes. Think of a player similar to Brayden Point, with a blend of pace, effort and puck play.”
“Pessimist’s case: Björck may struggle to hang onto an NHL roster spot, as 5-9 forwards who don’t produce tend not to last long in the league. He grinds and moves well, but at that size, you have to score a lot at even strength and help a power play to earn regular minutes.”
Kraken Could Break With Their Draft History
As mentioned, Seattle has never used its 1st round pick on a defenseman. Ellis observed, “That’s more of a reason to make it happen, but it’s hard to trust that, given their track record.”
A couple of mock drafts do have the Kraken going for a blueliner. One on those is The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, who predicts the fit is Daxon Rudolph of the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders.
“This draft is uniquely positioned such that two or three high-end D prospects will still be available when they’re up at No. 7. All of Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff, Rudolph and Alberts Smits are comparable for most scouts.
“Rudolph is in the process of finishing on a real high as one of the top performers in this year’s WHL playoffs. He’s a big righty with legit power-play skill and shot. He’d give them a future top-three D to build around and something their pool lacks.”
The Athletic’s Thomas Drance adds, “Not only is Rudolph 6-2, with plus puck skills, plus shooting tools and a high-end skater, he’s also right-handed and plays a premium position. He’s scored at an elite clip for a 17-year-old at the WHL level, has been a pedigree guy all the way (he was invited to the U18s last season as an under-ager) and checks just about every box you’d be looking for in an elite NHL prospect.”
Chris Peters of Flo Hockey sees a different blueline pick, Latvian Alberts Šmits of Finland’s Jukurit.
“They have a significant long-term need on their blue line. I think either Daxon Rudolph or Šmits is a great fit here. Šmits is a bit more pro-ready with size, athleticism and a mature game that allows him to play comfortably with pros right now.”
(Editor’s Note: Take a D-man!)
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Audit Cries Out For … Buzzier Buzzwords?
