Seattle Kraken players – most all hockey players, really – are loathe to talk too much about themselves. But ask about the virtues of teammates, and their eyes light up.
So, without further ado, comments from Kraken players at training camp about each other.
Kraken Defenseman Vince Dunn On Matty Beniers
“He’s shaped into a really great young man. He’s got all the characteristics of a winner and a leader. The passion he brings every single night and the fight that you don’t really see in games all the time. The way he speaks in the dressing room, it’s been pretty neat to see him develop in that way. Just the passion he has for himself as a person and the city.
“You can see someone who’s going to be a leader when they’re that young and we saw the characteristics of that right away. It shows now with him wearing a letter. Every single day he’s always trying to be better.
“He’s hard on himself too and you need that as a leader. You don’t want to ever be satisfied with yourself or the team. He’s a huge piece to winning hockey here.”
Kraken Forward Freddy Gaudreau On Oscar Fisker-Molgaard
“I think he’s another step better, but even last year I thought he’s such a complete player. He competes, he skates, he has good skills, he sees the game. It feels like all those things I just mentioned got elevated throughout the summer.”
Kraken Defenseman Brandon Montour On Mackie Samoskevich
Montour and Samoskevich played together for the Florida Panthers.
“He was there briefly when I was there his first year. So I know he’s excited. He skates fast. He’s got a nastiness to him. He likes to compete and obviously likes to play with the puck and score goals. He should have every opportunity to do that here.”
Bonus Montour, on becoming an assistant captain.
“When I signed here, we had conversations about it. It’s nice to obviously be recognized. Hopefully my teammates feel the same way.
“When I first came to the league, I had a lot of older guys to grow and learn off of. I’m lucky and fortunate to have had that. I try to share my experience and help out as much as I can.
“(Coach) Lane (Lambert) has preached a lot of energy. I enjoy being at the rink and I think I bring that (energy) every single day. As for on ice, I try to show up every day and compete and bring the competitive edge.”
Kraken Forward Ryan Winterton On Logan Morrison
Morrison scored the winning goal in both Kraken preseason victories this past weekend, over Vancouver and Calgary.
“I’m not surprised. He’s done it ever since junior, ever since I’ve played with him. At every level, he’s kind of found a way to do it.
“That’s what I say about ‘Mo.’ He just finds a way to do great stuff. He’s got a knack for the net, sees the ice really well, and makes it easy on his wingers.”
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