On June 29, 2023, the Kraken made nine selections on day two of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Kraken, Seattle’s first professional hockey team, made their first draft picks in franchise history.
The Kraken began day two by selecting forward Ryan Smith from the USHL’s Omaha Lancers with the 39th overall pick. Smith is a 6’2″ left-winger who scored 24 goals and had 41 points in 56 games last season. He is a strong skater with good puck skills and a hard shot.
With the 50th overall pick, the Kraken chose defenseman Jack Johnson from the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Johnson is a 6’3″ right-handed defenseman who had five goals and 25 points in 62 games last season. He is a physical presence on the blue line and is known for his strong defensive play.
The Kraken then selected forward Ryan Miller from the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs with the 61st overall pick. Miller is a 6’1″ center who scored 19 goals and had 44 points in 58 games last season. He is an excellent playmaker with good vision and a knack for finding open teammates.
At pick number 72, the Kraken chose defenseman Tyler Johnson from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers. Johnson is a 6’2″ left-handed defenseman who had four goals and 15 points in 45 games last season. He is an excellent skater with good puck-moving ability and a strong shot.
The Kraken then selected forward Alex Brown from the OHL’s London Knights with the 83rd overall pick. Brown is a 6’0″ left-winger who scored 25 goals and had 48 points in 68 games last season. He is an excellent two-way player with good speed and a nose for the net.
At pick number 94, the Kraken chose defenseman Ryan Anderson from the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats. Anderson is a 6’2″ right-handed defenseman who had three goals and 17 points in 59 games last season. He is an excellent defender with good positioning and a willingness to block shots.
The Kraken then selected forward Ryan White from the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders with the 105th overall pick. White is a 5’11” center who scored 16 goals and had 35 points in 57 games last season. He is an excellent skater with good puck skills and a knack for creating offense.
At pick number 116, the Kraken chose defenseman Jake Smith from the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede. Smith is a 6’2″ left-handed defenseman who had three goals and 13 points in 56 games last season. He is an excellent stay-at-home defenseman with good size and physicality.
The Kraken then selected forward Matt Johnson from the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs with the 127th overall pick. Johnson is a 6’1″ right-winger who scored 20 goals and had 41 points in 68 games last season. He is an excellent two-way player with good speed and a nose for the net.
The Kraken made nine selections on day two of the 2023 NHL Draft, adding depth to their prospect pool with players that have the potential to make an impact at the NHL level in the future.
