Seattle Kraken: Top 3 potential team captains they could pick
The More Reasonable Option: Tyler Johnson
Drafting Burns is a bit of a longshot for the Kraken. It’s far more likely the Kraken will decide to pillage a team like the Tampa Bay Lightning, who will be desperate to get rid of one of their many long-term deals.
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The Lightning will likely protect four defensemen, which would pretty much force the Kraken to take the pick of the litter of their many forwards with expensive deals. Those forwards include Alex Killorn, Ondrej Palat, Yanni Gourde, and Tyler Johnson. Johnson is the most logical pick for several reasons.
First, Johnson’s a center. If you look at what Vegas did, they made sure they had options down the middle. Having center depth is crucial for success in the modern NHL. Johnson’s a quality center. The same can’t be said for the rest of Tampa’s forwards I mentioned.
Secondly, Johnson’s from Spokane, Washington. How awesome would it be for the Kraken to pick a play from Washington and have him help build the team culture? Johnson’s someone who has always enjoyed being a part of the communities that he has lived in. Having someone like him is important for a team trying to build its brand in Seattle.
Thirdly, much like Burns, the Lightning would probably be willing to give the Kraken additional assets to ensure they take Johnson. Seattle would be wise to threaten to take a younger, cheaper forward and force Tampa to have to persuade them to take one of their expensive forwards.