Kraken Bring Speed & Intensity Early in Training Camp

That intensity will be particularly important this season, with NHL teams working through a shortened training camp and only a limited amount of time to prepare for the preseason. Lambert acknowledged the challenge of fitting everything into a smaller window, but the Kraken enter year two under his coaching staff with considerably more familiarity than they had a season ago.

“This is not year one for us as a coaching staff and for the players with us,” Lambert said. “There’s a lot of things that remain consistent from last year. And we’ve got a few tweaks that we’re making.” 

Kraken Showing More Speed Up Front

That familiarity was evident in the way Seattle approached its first practice, but so was the organization’s desire to inject more speed into the lineup. The Blue Group featured Matty Beniers centering Jared McCann and Mackie Samoskevich , while Berkly Catton skated between Kaapo Kakko and Shane Wright. Oscar Fisker Mølgaard centered Eduard Sale and Jagger Firkus on another young-heavy line.

The White Group included Chandler Stephenson between Bobby McMann and Jordan Eberle, with Ryan Winterton, Freddy Gaudreau and Jani Nyman forming another combination. The groups also featured several other young players competing for opportunities throughout the lineup.

It is far too early to read too much into the combinations, but they provided an initial glimpse at the competition that will define the rest of camp. Speed is a major part of what Seattle wants to establish this season. Lambert pointed to McMann and Samoskevich as players who can help bring that element to the lineup.

“I think we’ve added an element of speed to our team,” Lambert said. General manager Jason Botterill echoed that assessment, noting that McMann’s speed, shot and offensive mentality fit what the Kraken want to accomplish. He also believes the additions can help Seattle play aggressively and take time and space away from opponents. 

That approach was noticeable on Day 1, with players pushing the pace and looking to create whenever opportunities presented themselves.

Young Players Have Opportunities to Earn

Competition for roster spots will be another major theme throughout camp. Lambert acknowledged that Seattle has several players fighting for spots and said those players arrived ready to compete on the first day. The coach also emphasized that the Kraken are looking for players who can fill specific roles and help complete the team’s identity. 

Wright is among those players looking to establish himself in a larger role. After an offseason that included questions about his future in Seattle, Wright made it clear that he isn’t interested in allowing outside noise to distract him.

“Whatever outside noise, I’m not really caring about that,” Wright said. “I’m here to commit to the team, and I want to make sure I have a good camp and get ready for the season and do what I can to help the team win.” 

For Wright, earning additional ice time begins with earning the coaching staff’s trust. He specifically pointed to his defensive game as an area where he can continue to improve. “I think it’s up to me to earn more of that trust,” Wright said. “That starts on my own end defensively.” 

Lambert’s assessment of Wright’s first day was positive. He reiterated his belief from the end of last season that Wright became a better hockey player despite his statistical production declining. “He did earn trust last year in certain areas, and he’s no different than any other player,” Lambert said. “You have to earn trust, you have to be held accountable when you need to be held accountable, and you’re responsible for your performance.” 

Wright wasn’t the only young player to receive attention from Seattle’s front office. Botterill said he thought Catton was one of the best players on the ice during Day 1 and highlighted the offensive creativity the young forward brings. He also pointed to players such as Winterton and Jacob Melanson as potential sources of energy for the Kraken throughout the season. 

Nyman, meanwhile, enters camp with a straightforward goal after receiving opportunities with Seattle last season: establish himself as an everyday NHL player. “That’s my goal,” Nyman said when asked about finding a more permanent spot with the Kraken. 

Leadership Group Brings Another Change

The other major development surrounding the opening day of camp came off the ice, with Vince Dunn and Brandon Montour officially joining Seattle’s leadership group. For Dunn, it marks the first time he has worn a letter during his NHL career. He said he has always viewed himself as a leader, but understands the additional responsibility that comes with having a letter on his jersey. 

Montour described his own leadership style as a combination of being vocal when necessary and leading through his play and competitiveness.  The leadership group will have an important role in helping Seattle maintain consistency, something the Kraken identified as a major issue from last season.

Dunn said the team needs to maintain its mentality through the highs and lows of an 84-game season, while Lambert pointed to consistency as one of the biggest areas in which Seattle must improve. “We have to understand and play at the same level that we played,” Lambert said. “It’s a tough season. It’s 84 games. You can’t fall off.” 

There are new faces, new leadership and a collection of young players pushing for opportunities. There is more speed in the forward group and another year of familiarity with Lambert’s system. Of course, none of that guarantees anything.

The first day of camp showed a group that was competing, creating and pushing the pace. The coming days will determine which players separate themselves from the competition — and whether Seattle can turn that early energy into the consistency it believes it needs to return to the postseason.