Since we can’t actually ask if you want the Seattle Kraken 2026-27 good news or bad news first, we’ll go with the good news – and save the bad news for tomorrow.
The reason there’s hope for the Kraken is that they’ve assembled a damn fine collection of prospects.
This isn’t wishful thinking. The TSLH Prospects Guide just ranked the Kraken as having the #5 pool in the NHL. One of their scouting experts, Pascal Lapointe, defines skater prospects as 23 or younger and not already playing extensively in the NHL.
“The Kraken have drafted a strong mix of prospects with a variety of profiles throughout the lineup. Jagger Firkus, Jani Nyman, Blake Fiddler, Julius Miettinen, and Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard already look like excellent additions who could target top-nine offensive or top-four defensive roles in the near future.”
Most Prized Kraken Prospect
The player Lapointe sees as the Kraken “jewel” is also their most recent. Jake O’Brien was selected 8th overall in the 2025 draft. O’Brien had a breakout junior season with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs.
“I am very eager to see how his transition to professional hockey unfolds,” Lapointe says. “He is an elite playmaker and a responsible two-way center.”
Currently with the Coachella Valley Firebirds for the remainder of the AHL playoffs, O’Brien is expected to join the Kraken farm team full-time next season.
After O’Brien’s first Firebirds game, coach Derek Laxdal told The Desert Sun, “He’s a very cerebral offensive player. He didn’t shrink in the moment. He did a good job hanging onto the puck and making plays.”
Volume, Volume, Volume!
Seattle has never been in a position to draft one of those “generational talents.” No one fitting the description of a Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini or Matthew Schaefer was present when Seattle picked 2nd in 2021 or 4th in 2022. And the draft lottery ping pong balls haven’t aligned in their favor since.
Hey, isn’t this supposed to be the “good news” article? Yes, yes it is. When a team is making top 10 selections, but not first overall, two things are necessary: (1) patience, and (2) volume, volume, volume.
Patience, because even most elite talents need years to evolve to NHL-ready. That’s where the Kraken appear to have excelled. Many of the draftees they’ve stockpiled since 2021 are just now about ripe.
In addition to the five names Lapointe mentioned, he also cites, “Ty Nelson, David Goyette, Carson Rehkopf, Caden Price, Eduard Šalé, Nathan Villeneuve, Alexis Bernier, and Karl Annborn. They have all shown very intriguing upside dating back to their draft years. Moreover, the organization does not hesitate to give them significant ice time in the AHL.”
Volume, because drafting teenagers is the dictionary definition of “inexact science.” No organization in any sport bats 1.000 on their draft choices. The key is to collect enough good ones – guys with a real chance – like the Kraken have appeared to.
It’s not outlandish to envision several rising to form an inexpensive, talented young core that can grow together. Sooner than later, they could help Seattle surprise the league the way the Anaheim Ducks did this year.
Kraken Must Properly Develop Their Draftees
That’s not to say Lapointe doesn’t see red flags. “The organization seems to care very little about stability for young players, and once they show promising signs, they get swallowed up in a system that prioritizes veterans.”
Not surprisingly, he faults the development of forward Shane Wright, chosen 4th overall in 2022. “It honestly would not be surprising to see the Kraken trade Wright to make room for (Jake O’Brien).”
Could the same fate befall 2024 1st round pick Berkly Catton, who spent the entire 2025-26 season in Seattle before he could legally buy alcohol? “Even though he was rushed, Catton represents a major part for the organization’s future offense. The challenge will be finding a balance between player development and results in the standings.”
As Kraken GM Jason Botterill said recently, “It’s a challenge for our strength staff to get these guys physically stronger moving forward. It’s something that we continually talk to our kids who are 19 and 20 years old. But also, players like Matty Beniers, players like (Kaapo) Kakko, continuing to change their physiques a little bit to be prepared for that physical battle.”
Lapointe believes Seattle has actually performed better nurturing their lower-round draftees and undrafted free agents. “Perhaps it would be wise to apply the same strategy to their high draft picks — especially considering the new rule allowing 19-year-old CHL players to play in the AHL.”
That’s one thing the currently-underway organizational audit could address.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Draft Target; Top-2 Prospect Defenseman
