Player Profile: Ryan Winterton

Ryan Winterton is a promising young forward in the Seattle Kraken organization who has shown great offensive potential and versatility on the ice. Known for his high hockey IQ and strong all-around play, Winterton has the tools to be an impactful NHL player if he continues on his current development trajectory. Here’s a look at what Winterton brings to the Kraken and what to expect from him as he continues his journey toward the NHL.

Background and Development

Winterton, a native of Whitby, Ontario, was selected by the Kraken in the third round (67th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. A product of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Winterton plays for the London Knights after starting his junior career with the Hamilton Bulldogs. His OHL development was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but despite the missed time, he quickly established himself as an offensive force in junior hockey. With the Bulldogs, Winterton was part of a powerful lineup that competed for the OHL Championship, and he’s now growing his game with the Knights as he takes steps toward the NHL.

Playing Style and Strengths

Winterton is a highly skilled forward with a great offensive instinct and a mature, cerebral approach to the game. His playmaking ability, vision, and two-way game have made him stand out in the OHL, and his skill set has Kraken fans excited about his future. Here are his core strengths:

1. Hockey IQ and Vision: Winterton’s game is driven by his intelligence and strong sense of where he needs to be on the ice. He reads plays well, is quick to find open spaces, and positions himself effectively, making him a constant threat. His vision allows him to see passing lanes that others miss, helping him create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
2. Playmaking and Offensive Upside: Winterton has shown impressive playmaking skills, as he’s able to find his teammates in prime scoring positions and execute crisp, accurate passes under pressure. He also has a strong shot and can score from various spots, making him a dual threat on the offensive end.
3. Versatility: Winterton’s ability to play both center and wing adds to his value. His responsible two-way game and ability to adapt to different roles make him a flexible player who can slot into various positions as needed. His versatility will help him fit into multiple roles at the pro level.
4. Defensive Awareness: While his offensive abilities are more pronounced, Winterton’s commitment to defense makes him a well-rounded player. He backchecks hard, is reliable in his own zone, and doesn’t shy away from getting involved in board battles or puck battles in the corners. His strong two-way game makes him an asset in multiple situations, particularly in close games.

Areas for Development

Despite his many strengths, Winterton has a few areas to work on as he looks to take the next step toward the NHL:

• Strength and Physicality: Although he’s listed at 6'2" and 190 pounds, Winterton will benefit from adding more strength to match the physical demands of the pro game. Greater strength will help him protect the puck better, win battles along the boards, and make him tougher to knock off his stride against NHL defenders.
• Consistency and Pace: Like many young players, Winterton can benefit from refining his consistency and adapting to the faster pace of professional hockey. Learning to maintain a high level of play across shifts and finding ways to adjust his timing under NHL-level pressure will be key as he transitions from junior to the pros.
• Finishing Ability: While he’s shown scoring touch, Winterton could further develop his goal-scoring consistency by improving his shot selection and accuracy. Building confidence in his finishing ability would add another layer to his offensive game and make him even more of a dual threat.

Role with the Kraken and Future Outlook

Winterton’s potential lies in his offensive creativity and adaptability. As he continues his development, he projects as a middle-six forward who can contribute offensively and play a responsible, two-way game. His hockey IQ, vision, and versatility give him the tools to fill multiple roles within a lineup, which is a valuable asset for Seattle as they build their roster with young, dynamic talent.

NHL Projection

Winterton projects as a versatile, middle-six forward with the potential to be a consistent contributor at the NHL level. If his offensive game translates well, he could be a valuable secondary scorer who brings reliable playmaking and defensive responsibility. His ceiling could be that of a second-line playmaker who can be relied upon for both offense and steady two-way play, while his floor is a third-line forward who brings energy, defensive awareness, and some offensive upside.

Comparables

Winterton’s game is reminiscent of forwards like Mikael Backlund or Alex Kerfoot—players known for their responsible two-way play, vision, and ability to contribute offensively in multiple roles. His potential to grow into a middle-six role with flexibility across the lineup makes him an exciting prospect for Seattle.

Final Takeaway

Ryan Winterton is a prospect Kraken fans should watch closely. His strong hockey sense, offensive instincts, and defensive responsibility make him a well-rounded forward with significant upside. As he continues to mature and develop his physical game, he could become a reliable two-way forward in Seattle’s lineup, capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. If he continues on his current path, Winterton could become an integral piece of the Kraken’s future core.