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

The Seattle Kraken recently called up Ryan Winterton, John Hayden, and Cale Fleury, giving them a chance to make their mark on the NHL, and while all three have since returned to Coachella Valley, their impact on the ice and future with the team remains a key story moving forward.

Vancouver Canucks v Seattle Kraken
Vancouver Canucks v Seattle Kraken | Steph Chambers/GettyImages
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Ryan Winterton
Colorado Avalanche v Seattle Kraken | Steph Chambers/GettyImages

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.

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