Seattle Kraken 2026 7th round draft pick Will Tomko gets points for honesty.
“I’m not the most skilled guy,” Tomko offered to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Well, the Kraken must have seen something in the 6-foot, 190 pound forward out of western Pennsylvania. “They like to see the physicality part.”
Oh, last season’s 115 penalty minutes for the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, which Tomko says included “a couple fights every once in a while.” He did leave time to score 24 goals and 60 points in 59 games.
Kraken scouts admire his speed and responsibility at both ends of the ice. “I definitely take pride in my defense,” Tomko confirmed.
Tomko stood out at the annual Kraken development camp intrasquad scrimmage known as the Stucky Cup. He had three points, two goals and an assist.
“You’re still getting a pretty good hockey player in the 7th round,” player development director Corey Murphy told Kraken editorial VP Geoff Baker. “We’ve loved his energy since day one of coming here. I think he’s made the most of the opportunity to go out and show that and he got rewarded.”
Assessments Of Kraken 7th Rounder
- Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis: “A hard-working forward who proved he could handle the penalty kill.”
- Brock Otten of McKeen’s: “Loved Tomko as a later round pick option and was glad to see him selected. He was really good for Sioux City in the second half this year. He’s a fierce competitor but also a skilled playmaker. I think he profiles as a potential high energy bottom six pivot in the future.”
- From the USHL website: “Tomko’s draft stock has been steadily rising. Tomko has terrific open-ice speed and has shown an innate ability to convert on his scoring chances around the net.”
The 19-year-old didn’t hear his name called at the 2025 Draft, his first year of eligibility. “I had a good feeling I was going to get drafted (this year),” he said. “I talked to a bunch of teams. I just had a good feeling.”
Tomko originally planned to stay in his state for college, but he and Penn State “didn’t see eye to eye.” Instead, he’ll attend Ohio State. He’s one of four 2026 draftees joining the Buckeyes, who can use them. Ohio St. finished 14-21-2 last season, although they did end up reaching the Big 10 championship game.
Earlier Kraken:
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— Helsinki Finland Travel Planner For Kraken Fans
Earlier Canucks:
— Where’s Waldo, I Mean Whyno; Canucks = PHWA
Bonus Video: Simmer had a chance to speak with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly about a variety of interesting and entertaining hockey topics and current events. Check it out …
