We’re now into the first month of 2023, and it sounds like a good time to check in on some Seattle Kraken prospects. After the excitement of the World Junior Championship, things started heating up as trades were seemingly being made left and right in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Multiple Kraken prospects were affected.
Meanwhile, their top defensive prospect is continuing to have himself a strong rookie season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the red-hot Coachella Valley Firebirds. However, let’s kick things off with arguably their most polarizing prospect, Shane Wright.
Shane Wright Shines as Team Canada Captain
Everyone knows the story of the 2023 World Junior Championship was Connor Bedard. However for the Kraken, Wright captaining the team to a gold medal was exactly what they wanted to see. He scored four goals, including one in the gold medal game, and seven points in seven games at the tournament.
Following the victory, he was sent back to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), though he didn’t return to the Kingston Frontenacs. On Jan. 9, he was traded, along with a 2025 draft pick, to the Windsor Spitfires for two players and seven draft picks spanning three different drafts.
Now playing on his fourth team (including Team Canada) this season, he’s picking up where he left off. He’s scored four goals and six points in three games with the Spitfires. They lead the OHL’s West Division, and going on a deep playoff run is exactly what the Kraken will be hoping for.
Ryker Evans and Coachella Valley Firebirds Both Enjoying Success
The Firebirds currently sit first in the AHL’s Pacific Division, and fighting for first in the entire league. With their success, Ryker Evans’ individual success has followed. He’s scored three goals and 22 points in 34 games, one point back of leading team defensemen in scoring. Nine of his 19 assists have come on the power play, he’s a plus-21, and has one game-winning goal.
One thing I’d like to see from Evans is more shots on goal. He’s only tallied 46 shots this season, and he showed with his 14 goals last year that he does have the ability to find twine. It’s very promising for the Kraken that both Evans and the Firebirds are off to a strong inaugural season, and it’s being acknowledged. He and teammate Andrew Poturalski were selected to represent the team at the 2023…
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