As reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and NHL Network, The Seattle Kraken has made a colossal move and claimed Nashville Predators’ former first-rounder Eeli Tolvanen. Due to cap space, they have placed center Karson Kuhlman on waivers. This comes just one day after the Kraken snapped their three-game losing streak against the Florida Panthers 5-2.
Tolvanen has 25 goals and 26 assists for a combined 51 points in 135 games played for the Predators. He was selected 30th overall in the 2017 NHL draft. Hailing from Vihti, Finland, Tolvanen scored seven goals in seven games to help Finland win the gold at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship in Helinski.
He’s a great addition to the Seattle Kraken lineup, as he would probably be on a fourth line that is loaded with strong shooters. I’m hoping he plays on a 4th line consisting of Eeli Tolvane, Shane Wright, and Daniel Sprong. But that depends on a couple of things, including how Shane Wright plays at the World Juniors with Team Canada. This move is also great for the Kraken because it’s a potential low-risk, high-reward move. This depends on whether the Kraken can unlock Tolvanen’s potential, as he has yet to make a full impact in 5-on-5 hockey.
Kraken snap a three-game losing streak in dominant fashion against the Panthers
Last night I witnessed a gritty yet dominant performance by the Seattle Kraken here in South Florida as the Kraken defeated the Florida Panthers 5-2. The atmosphere was electric, with a larger fellow Kraken fan presence than I had expected. After a close game in the first two periods, the Kraken exploded to score three goals and take the win. Goaltender Martin Jones finished with 23 saves as the Kraken improved to 3-1 all-time against the Panthers — including 2-0 in Florida.
“We wanted to get back to who we are,” Kraken Head coach Dave Hakstol said. “We had lost three in a row so we needed that 60-minute performance to push back in the right direction. Our players did that. … I thought we were pretty consistent; our special teams were solid and contributed to the win. Goaltending was solid. That’s what it takes to get a good road win.”
Check out a slideshow of pictures from last night’s warmup! (All photos taken by Nick Krell of Inside The Rink)
“I think it was a much better effort than we had seen lately,” Alternate Captain Yanni Gourde said about the win. “It was a much more complete game; our compete level was higher. Everything was better tonight.” A lot of good news within the past couple of days for the Seattle Kraken; let’s hope they can keep playing at this high level going into the Holidays.
