Kraken Prospect
It might not happen right away, but based on what I’ve been told by scouts and Kraken player development peeps, Nathan Villeneuve will be in the big show sooner than later.
Think of Yanni Gourde’s brain in a body that’s three inches taller and twenty pounds heavier. There’s more brawn in Villeneuve to back up the agitation.
The kid’s only 19. The Kraken’s 63rd-overall pick in the 2nd-round of the 2024 NHL Draft will likely end up with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League this coming season, but it won’t be for a lack of effort and grit.
Training camp should be fun.
Last season Villeneuve finished up his three year career with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League. He joined the Firebirds at the end of the season, playing five games and posting one assist.
The lefty from Ottawa attacks everyone and everything: puck carriers, adversaries on the boards, and the opposing net when he’s on the move offensively. Feisty with a great two-way game would be a fair description.
For now the Kraken have Freddie Gaudreau slated for fourth line center. He’s a proficient face-off man and he’s been a wizard in shoot-outs. Something Seattle could use help with.
Shane Wright would be the planned 3rd-line pivot. He’s continuing a career ascension.
In other words, even if Villeneuve can’t slot into his natural center position with the Kraken, he could easily slide on to a wing.
One could see Tye Kartye’s likely slot on the fourth line as vulnerable. The two had similar offensive numbers during their junior careers with Kartye being three years older. While Kartye’s brave, Villeneuve might do more to help establish team identity.
Training camp starts in just less than four weeks.
Earlier Kraken:
— What’s New For 2 Kraken Center Prospects
