Seattle Kraken coach Lane Lambert insists his forwards play a 200-foot game. Back in January, The Hockey News gave a description of new Kraken forward Matthew Wood that will appeal to the coach.
“He has refined the offensive skills that have been his trademark, while also proving his mettle on the other side of the puck, blocking shots and getting dirty when the situation calls for it. The end result is part energy player, part high-caliber offensive catalyst.”
The Kraken acquired Wood from Nashville on Sunday in exchange for Shane Wright. The 6-foot-4 forward is expected to make his Seattle debut Wednesday at Climate Pledge Arena against Calgary.
Lambert would also approve of a The Hockey Writers column from last November. “(Wood) is maximizing his shifts and demonstrating a well-rounded, professional game. A willingness to engage physically, strong defensive awareness and commitment, avoidance of giveaways in the defensive zone.”
This was NHL Central Scouting’s take, prior to Nashville selecting Wood 15th overall at the 2023 draft: “A big power forward who has a deadly shot from anywhere in the attacking zone. A great one-timer. Very effective at getting open and setting himself up to shoot. A pure goal scorer at every level he has played.”
Newest Kraken Plays Mind Games
Wood has worked with a mental skills coach since he was 15. “I was struggling at the junior level,” he explained on the Second Intermission podcast. When I was younger I was a little bit timid playing against older and bigger guys. I started off with getting that out of my head.
“Ever since then, been building my game on and off the ice with him. There’s tons of different little things that he’s helped me with along the way. More recently, just trying to focus on bringing the best that I can every single day.
“I think it’s a really important part of the game because everyone’s always looking to get 1% better. If you can have that little extra bit of focus on one play or on that one day, it’s going to make a a big difference in the end.
“I’ve always seemed to have the ability to learn quickly. I’ve also kept reminding myself of the need to get better.”
Funny, And One Not So Funny, Matthew Wood Facts
He’s not a fan of air travel. “I don’t really like flying. I’m definitely more nervous after the game, getting on the plane.”
He wears #71 in honor of his favorite player, Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins. “I really loved watching him, and tried to model my game after him.”
He and his girlfriend have two dogs, Jasper (left) and Rocky (center), seen here with his parents’ dog, Brady (right).
Wood is buddies with the player taken 1st overall by Chicago in their 2023 draft year, Connor Bedard. As teens, they played spring hockey together for the Vancouver Vipers from 2015-19.
When the boys were 14, Wood lived with the Bedard family. “They’re great people, down to earth. (Connor) works unbelievably hard. He’s a true pro and I’m really happy for him.”
Bob Motzko, his U. of Minnesota college coach, said in 2025, “He likes to play on the rush. I told him, ‘That’s boring stuff. You don’t want to play in the rush. You go play in bloody-nose alley.’
“I love where he’s taking his game, playing down low more, and with that big body, he’s kind of learning a new toy.”
Earlier Kraken:
— Ex-Kraken Wright: “I wanted more opportunity.”
Earlier Canucks:
