The Seattle Kraken selected Eduard Sale in the first round, 20th overall. The talented right-winger has played in his home nation of Czechia since the 2018-19 season. The 18-year-old played with the HC Kometa Brno, his hometown team. He would play for two years on their leading club, scoring nine goals and 17 points in 53 games.
Sale did not only impress with his play in the Czechia league but also in the IIHF world championships. Deal played for Czechia in 3 tournaments, recording five goals and 15 points in 11 U18 tournament games and 1 goal and 6 points in 7 U20 tournament games.
The Barrie Colts drafted Sale in the 2022 import draft. In an article by Barrie Today, Colt's GM explained that the team knew it might take some time for him to transition to North American hockey. The Colts and Sale agreed to an OHL scholarship and development agreement. CKMSports defines this agreement as "...Offers an academic scholarship covering one full academic year at a Canadian institution for the first regular season game played, with an additional year paid for every subsequent regular season game played in each calendar year; for a maximum of 5 academic years paid."
The Colts season opens on September 28, thus beginning the first North American hockey season for Sale. The Colts will be looking for a playoff spot this year, adding valuable experience for Sale, benefitting both the player and the Kraken. This comes as great News for Kraken's newly acquired winger since he's taking the next step in his development to acclimate to the North American-sized rinks early in his career.
