Kraken and Flyers
Whether the club’s had seen enough at their respective training camps, whether one or the other requested a change of scenery, or whether the American Hockey League (AHL) clubs are looking to fill a specific need, it doesn’t matter. The Flyers and Kraken swapped minor leaguers on Thursday.
David Goyette, a Saint-Jerome, Quebec native, was originally selected by Seattle in the 2nd round of the 2022 NHL Draft. He goes to Philadelphia to play for the AHL Phantoms while fellow forward and Bridgewater, New Jersey native Devin Kaplan comes the other way.
Both players are 22. Kaplan has played in one NHL game with the Flyers while Goyette has yet to make it to the big show.
Size and potential physicality would appear to be the catalysts behind this move for the Kraken. Kaplan, a right wing, (6’3″, 200 pounds) is four inches taller and 25-pounds heavier than Goyette, a lefty centerman.
Before his rookie season with the Phantoms last year (five goals, 13 points in 49 games), Kaplan played three seasons at Boston University after two years with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP).
Elite Prospects described him this way in their 2022 draft guide:
“He delays at the right moments, inviting pressure before passing. Anticipates teammates moving into space and hits them with the lead pass. Looks to the inside and cross-ice for options rather than forcing a low-percentage shot or up-the-boards dump.”
It’s possible Kaplan could arrive in time to play for the Firebirds in their season opener on Friday.
His older, but littler brother Jordan (age 29) plays in the (“double-A”) ECHL and has for five years.
Earlier Kraken:
— Beniers Certain Kraken Can “Outperform The Projections”
Earlier Canucks:
— Canucks Surprise Oilers; A Troubling Edmonton Microcosm
VIDEO: Our “Kraken Reaction” opening night preview!
