Kraken Reinforce Recruitment: Seattle Drafts Additional Five Prospects During Day 2 of NHL Draft
Man, the Kraken's Draft Day made some waves, huh? Jason Botterill didn't hold back, and it's no wonder why. The Kraken, already brimming with talent on the wings and at center, could've used some defensive depth. Turns out, they struck gold with their draft selections.
First up is Blake Fiddler, the titanic defenseman from Nashville. The kid's got size—6-foot-5 and 220 lbs—and he sure knows how to use it. Many thought he'd go in the first round, but the Kraken swooped in, swapping picks with the Flyers to snatch him at 36th overall. This 18-year-old hasn't exemped hypothesis, boasting both two-way skills and some impressive athleticism. Fiddler has no qualms about taking on heavy minutes or shutting down top lines. With parents like 14-year NHL vet Vernon Fiddler, it's no surprise Blake's following in his footsteps.
Next, there's Will Reynolds, a 6-3, 188-pound defenseman from New Brunswick. Although he's still growing into his frame, Reynolds made a bold statement with a strong second half of his rookie season in the "Q." He's not afraid to lay down some heavy hits, block shots, or defend the house. Some insiders say his game is centered around physical play, implying that he'd be a formidable addition to any defensive lineup.
Moving onto the 5th Round, the Kraken scooped up Maxim Agafonov, a 6-2, 198-pound defenseman from Moscow. Agafonov is the second Russian player the Kraken have drafted after goaltender Semyon Vyazovoy in their first draft. Botterill expressed hope to get Agafonov to Seattle for development camp, with plans for him to spend at least another year in Russia. From what we heard, Agafonov boasts solid defensive capabilities, but his offensive upside is considered raw.
As the draft wound down, the Kraken double-dipped on defense, drafting Karl Annborn and Loke Krantz in the 7th round. Annborn, a 6-1, 192-pound defenseman from Sweden, plays a defense-first style. Managing gaps well, moving with agility, and making good first passes are some of his strengths. And don't forget about Krantz, a right-wing from Enkooping, Sweden, who recorded 17 points through 44 regular-season games last season. Despite a lack of comprehensive scouting reports, Annborn and Krantz could have hidden talents just waiting to be unleashed.
So there you have it. The Kraken bolstered their defensive ranks with an impressive haul from the 2025 draft. Time will tell if these prospects will develop into the next great Kraken players, but one thing's for certain—their offensive potential is off the charts. Let's watch these boys grow and see what the future holds for the Kraken's defensive core.
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The Kraken's Draft Day continued to impress, adding more depth to their defensive lineup. Notably, they drafted defenseman Blake Fiddler from Nashville, who was initially anticipated to go in the first round. Next, they selected Will Reynolds, a physically imposing defenseman from New Brunswick, showcasing his skills and potential during his rookie season in the "Q." Furthermore, the Kraken drafted Maxim Agafonov from Moscow, their second Russian player, hoping to develop him for potential future efforts in the NHL.
