The Seattle Kraken did not clinch back-to-back postseason appearances in their first three full seasons of their franchise history, but they did show some promise for the future. The core seems to be set, with a group of young forwards that can put up a ton of points, and some stellar defenseman that can contribute on both ends of the ice.
Let’s take a look at the three best skaters from this past season.
1. Jared McCann
This is a pretty simple answer, Jared McCann was the undeniable best skater on the ice for the Kraken this past season. He led the team in goals, both at even strength and on the power-play with 18 and 9, respectively. He was also a consistent centerman, having the highest face-off percentage amongst Kraken centers with winning 47.9 percent of the draws.
His 62 points also led the team, which is one of the low-points to consider about how last season went. That point total is amongst the lower-end of the NHL, narrowly edging out teams like San Jose and Chicago who had 60 and 61-point leaders.
Next season, he will have to once-again lead the charge for the Kraken offense. This team will have a lot of fun this offseason, as their pocketbook is full with over $23 million in salary cap to use. Can they find another high-power weapon to compliment McCann next season?
2. Vince Dunn
A career year cut short by injury, defenseman Vince Dunn was on his way to being amongst the top-tier blueliners in 2023-24.
In 59 games, Dunn tallied 11 goals and added 35 assists which were both the best for the team. Unfortunately, on March 4 against the Calgary Flames, he was boarded and suffered a season-ending neck injury. With 23 games to go, there was a solid chance that he could have been a point-per-game defenseman last season.
For next season, Dunn will have to have another stellar season for the Kraken to have any success. With the uncertainty of veteran D-Man Justin Schultz coming back with an expired contract, Dunn’s offensive abilities will bear an even heavier shoulder in 2024-25.
3. Oliver Bjorkstand
The third best skater from the 2023-24 Seattle Kraken campaign has to belong to right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand. The 28-year-old from Denmark tallied a career-high in points with 59 points last season and led the squad with 39 assists.
In his second full season in Seattle, Bjorkstrand has proven to be a powerful asset on the powerplay with eight goals this season, just one behind our best Kraken Skater, Jared McCann.
Of the three skaters on this list, I believe that they are interchangeable. They each bring something different with their game, and they each make an impact in a number of different ways. Next season can show a significant increase in their game for all three players.