Kraken Prospects ready for AHL playoffs

With the AHL affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds clinching the Pacific Division championship and earning a first-round bye in the 2024 AHL playoffs, the Seattle Kraken prospects are poised to benefit from valuable practice time and development opportunities.

Head coach Dan Bylsma and his coaching staff will utilize this break to mentor and guide the Kraken prospects diligently. For players like Shane Wright, a highly touted prospect aiming for a spot on the Kraken roster next season, this presents a golden opportunity to gain valuable experience and refine their skills under professional guidance.

Wright is not alone in this endeavor, as prospects drafted in 2021, including Winterton, Ottavainen, and Melanson, are vocal about the significance of this springtime assignment. Their enthusiasm reflects the high value they place on continued development and the chance to showcase their growth on the ice.



Meanwhile, in Finland's top pro hockey league, Liiga, Seattle Kraken's goalie prospect Niklas Kokko continues to impress. The 20-year-old netminder delivered a stellar performance, making 30 saves in a crucial 2-1 victory for his Lahti Pelicans squad in the championship final against Tappara. Kokko's outstanding postseason run, boasting a .926 save percentage and a 1.59 goals-against average, underscores his potential as a future asset for the Kraken.


As the AHL playoffs progress and the Firebirds gear up for their second-round series, the Kraken organization can take pride in the development of their prospects. With each opportunity to hit the ice, these young players inch closer to realizing their NHL dreams, bolstering the depth and talent pool for the Seattle Kraken franchise.

The success of prospects like Wright and Kokko bodes well for the future of the Seattle Kraken, instilling confidence in the organization as they continue to build a competitive roster for seasons to come. With the AHL playoffs serving as a proving ground for emerging talent, the Kraken's investment in player development is poised to pay dividends in the long run.

Source: NHL.com