Anglers may be willing to discuss the big one that got away, but not the Seattle Kraken general manager.
At a Friday media availability, Jason Botterill spoke only about the players he has landed, Bobby McMann and Mackie Samoskevich, as well as the earlier re-signing of captain Jordan Eberle.
It was the first opportunity for some of the media to speak to “Botts” since the end of the season.
He cited an advantage in convincing McMann to re-up. After being traded from Toronto at the March deadline, McMann got to play 18 games in Seattle, as well as experience what the region has to offer. “Bobby’s a classic example. Once they get to the organization, how they’re treated, the commitment to winning from ownership down, the facilities, people want to be a part of it here.”
The GM also pointed to “six or seven 23-or-younger players on our roster who are ready.” He wasn’t willing to directly address the failed attempt to land Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
“I don’t feel comfortable talking about another team’s player. Unfortunately, there’s not a big free agent list this year. I think you’re seeing across the league a lot of trade activity. A lot of teams are realizing, if you want to improve your team, you have to do it through the trade market. We are going to look at a lot of different avenues to improve our team.”
New York Rangers turned LA Kings forward Artemi Panarin’s name — he turned down the Kraken at the trade deadline — also came up in a question, but not in an answer.
The Seattle club was also rumored to be a suitor for forward Alex Tuch, who was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Washington Capitals on June 24th.
Kraken Plans For NHL Draft Day 2
The NHL Draft continues Saturday with rounds 2-7. When asked what the Kraken would be looking for, Botterill got to exercise his humorous side.
“We want monstrous players who can skate like the wind and have amazing skill. We all want that, right? The one element we continue to look at, either through the draft or in free agency, is speed.” Because those draftees are teenagers, “making sure they have that inner drive to get better, and coachability element.”
The GM cited Berkly Catton and Jacob Melanson as Kraken success stories with those qualities. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a 1st round pick or a 5th round pick, that’s what you need in your DNA to reach the National Hockey League.”
Earlier Kraken:
— Seattle GM After Drafting Elite D-Man: “We’re Ecstatic”
