Next in Line: Kraken Prospects Ready to Make an NHL Impact

The Kraken shook things up last game by calling up Ryan Winterton for his first NHL action, alongside John Hayden and Cale Fleury. It was Hayden’s season debut and Fleury’s second game with Seattle, as the team looked for fresh energy after a tough outing in Colorado.

Despite the call-ups, all three players were reassigned to Coachella Valley following the game. Interestingly, they wasted no time making an impact back in the AHL. In Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Eagles, Hayden tipped in a shot from Fleury late in the second period, helping seal a 3-2 win for Coachella Valley.

These three players will likely continue to bounce between Seattle and Coachella Valley, but they each bring something unique to the ice. Here’s a breakdown of each player’s skill set and what Kraken fans can expect from them the next time they’re called up.

John Hayden – The Gritty, Hard-Hitting Forward

Journey to Seattle: Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, John Hayden has built his career as a hard-nosed, physical forward. He has since played with several teams, including New Jersey, Arizona, and Buffalo, before signing with Seattle in 2022. Known for his toughness and work ethic, Hayden was brought into Seattle’s organization to add physicality and depth.

Playing Style and Expectations: Hayden’s game centers around his size and physicality. At 6'3" and 220 pounds, he’s a powerful presence on the ice, bringing a gritty edge that wears down opponents and brings energy to his team. Hayden thrives in a bottom-six role, where he can deliver punishing hits, battle for pucks along the boards, and contribute with the occasional net-front screen. His play style makes him effective in games that require a physical edge, as he’s never afraid to drop the gloves or engage in the “dirty work” that helps shift momentum.

Hayden’s offensive game is limited, and he’s not expected to score much, but his role in Seattle is less about points and more about setting a tone. In a fourth-line role, he’ll likely be relied upon for energy shifts and to protect leads late in games, especially when Seattle needs a tough, defensive presence. For Kraken fans, Hayden is a player to watch when the team needs grit and physicality—he’s a reliable option for high-energy situations and tough matchups.

Ryan Winterton – The Smart, Versatile Playmaker

Journey to Seattle: Ryan Winterton was drafted by Seattle in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft, marking him as one of the Kraken’s early picks in building their prospect pool. Playing in the OHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs and now with the London Knights, Winterton has overcome a disrupted junior career due to the pandemic and injury but has shown promising offensive ability.

Playing Style and Expectations: Winterton is a versatile forward with a high hockey IQ, known for his strong two-way play and offensive creativity. He’s a natural playmaker who reads the game exceptionally well, positioning himself to either set up teammates or capitalize on scoring chances himself. Winterton’s combination of vision and intelligence allows him to create opportunities and make quick, effective decisions under pressure.

What makes Winterton especially appealing is his adaptability. He’s effective in both center and wing roles, making him a potential middle-six forward who can play wherever he’s needed in the lineup. His strong work ethic on defense and backchecking ability make him a coach’s dream, as he’s capable of contributing at both ends of the ice. To fully make the jump to the NHL, he’ll need to add a bit more strength and continue improving his consistency. If he can do that, Winterton could emerge as a reliable two-way forward for Seattle, potentially providing secondary scoring and a stable presence on both special teams.

The Kraken’s Future Outlook with Fleury, Hayden, and Winterton

Seattle’s approach to building a competitive team is centered on adding depth, toughness, and two-way skill—qualities that all three of these prospects embody.

• Cale Fleury brings physical, defensively sound play, making him an ideal fit for a shutdown role on the Kraken’s blue line, particularly in penalty-killing situations.
• John Hayden offers grit and toughness, giving Seattle a high-energy forward who can bring momentum-shifting hits and stand up for his teammates when necessary.
• Ryan Winterton adds creativity and hockey IQ, with the potential to grow into a productive middle-six forward capable of contributing at both ends of the rink.

Each player brings something different to the table, and together they represent Seattle’s commitment to building a team that is hard to play against, both physically and defensively. While they’re all at different stages of their development, Kraken fans have reason to be excited about these three players as they push toward securing regular NHL roles.

As the Kraken continue to establish their identity, Fleury, Hayden, and Winterton could each play an integral part in shaping Seattle’s future and bringing depth, resilience, and skill to the team’s roster for years to come.