3 Kraken With The Most To Prove In 2023-24

The Seattle Kraken came off a surprising and very good second season in the NHL as they not only made the playoffs and had a huge rise in points from the first year, they won a round, defeating the 2022 Stanley Cup champions. They have some younger players who will have lots to prove after signing contracts or being given a shot.

Kailer Yamamoto

Kailer Yamamoto had a tough year in Edmonton despite playing alongside some of the best offensive players in the game. This is what made the team's decision to move on from him easier and he found his way to his hometown of Seattle. The Kraken were very deep all the way through the lineup and everybody benefited. Yamamoto will have a lot less pressure playing in the bottom-six this season, but has a fair deal to prove after he's struggled to finish and produce offensively.

Vince Dunn

Vince Dunn is coming off a great breakout season for the Kraken that they sorely needed. It earned him a large four-year contract, but it is a lot to ask for him to repeat that performance and carry the offensive and overall load on the defence being one of the youngest. He scored 14 goals, recorded 64 points, and led the team in ice time with close to 24 minutes a night. Going into his first year on a new contract, a lot is going to be expected of him, much more than last season.

Shane Wright

Shane Wright got a small opportunity last season that eventually saw him spend time back in junior and the AHL. This season he looks to take the next step and secure a full-time role in the lineup, even if it is on the fourth line. As I mentioned previously, the bottom-six had more responsibility on the Kraken than many other teams, so he could still develop well. Wright not only has to prove he deserves to hold a spot in the lineup, but also that he is progressing as a former top pick in the draft.