We had the opportunity to chat with new Kraken forward Mackie Samoskevich on Monday. The 23-year-old played college hockey for a full season at the University of Michigan with Seattle center Matty Beniers in 2021-’22. The roster was loaded with future NHLers.
“We were able to grow a great relationship there and definitely stayed in touch the rest of the years, so he was one of the first people I called for sure yesterday, definitely fired up to get back with those guys that are such good leaders, and obviously players too.”
He refers to also getting a little taste of Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour’s game, the two having spent some time together with the 2023-’24 Florida Panthers. Montour hoisted the Stanley Cup that spring; Samoskevich didn’t play nearly enough to qualify. He retained his rookie status.
“It was just a few games, I was able to be around him,” Samoskevich recalled. “He’s such a great leader, so I definitely know him as a good one there.”
Mackie did get his name etched on the Cup with the Panthers a year later, having played in 72 regular season games and four more in the postseason. Not bad for a 21-year-old’s first full season in the NHL.
“I remember the training camps were so hard, and one of the things they definitely harped on right away was the compete level,” he remembered. “All of the practices were threaded around being competitive and having that drive to win even in practice, so even with the guys in the locker room, they were the best competitors in the league obviously, I definitely learned a lot from them. Especially being so young coming into the league.”
So what does the Connecticut native bring to the table?
“Speed, I think that’s the biggest one, (my) biggest strength,” he said. “Speed with the puck and without it, and line rush. The team already has a lot of speed, a ton of talent, so adding to it will be a really good thing and I’m really pumped about it. I love to shoot the puck as well.”
Samoskevich’s twin sister Maddy played up the road in Vancouver for the Goldeneyes in the PWHL last season. A defender, she’s presently a free agent.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Need To Pick An Elite D-Man In The 1st-Round
