The Seattle Kraken are set to take on the Buffalo Sabres in what promises to be an exciting game. The Kraken are a new expansion team in the NHL, and they have already made a splash by winning their first game against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sabres, on the other hand, are a team that has been struggling as of late and will be looking to turn things around with a win against the Kraken.
1. How the expansion draft will affect the Buffalo Sabres
The most recent expansion draft was in 2017 when the Vegas Golden Knights joined the NHL. Each team had to protect either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender OR eight skaters (forwards/defensemen) and one goaltender. The Sabres protected four forwards (Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Ryan O’Reilly, and Kyle Okposo), three defensemen (Marco Scandella, Justin Falk, and Jake McCabe), and one goaltender (Robin Lehner). They lost defenseman William Carrier in the expansion draft.
In the 2021 expansion draft for Seattle, each team will have to protect either eight skaters (forwards/defensemen) OR seven forwards and three defensemen with one goaltender left exposed. This means that the Sabres will have to expose a defenseman if they want to protect four forwards like they did in 2017. Rasmus Ristolainen is likely to be left exposed as he has been rumored to be on the trade block for a while now. Casey Mittelstadt could also be left unprotected as he is still waiver-exempt meaning Seattle would not be able to claim him anyway.
2. The Seattle Kraken’s inaugural season
The Seattle Kraken’s inaugural season is finally here! After years of anticipation, the NHL’s 32nd franchise will finally take to the ice. Led by head coach Pete DeBoer, the Kraken will look to make a splash in their first year in the league.
With a roster full of young talent, including forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Vitaly Kravtsov, the Kraken have the potential to be one of the most exciting teams in the NHL. Additionally, they have some veteran leadership in forwards Zach Parise and Marc Staal. In net, they have former Vezina Trophy winner Devan Dubnyk manning the pipes.
The Kraken will kick off their season on October 2nd against their expansion cousins, the Arizona Coyotes. It should be an electric atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena as Seattle hockey fans finally get to see their team hit the ice for real.
3. A preview of the Buffalo Sabres vs. Seattle Kraken game
The Seattle Kraken are set to take on the Buffalo Sabres this Saturday in what is sure to be an exciting game. The Kraken are a relatively new team, entering the NHL just this year, and the Sabres have been struggling as of late. However, both teams have shown promise and should put on a good show for fans.
4. What to expect from the Buffalo Sabres vs. Seattle Kraken rivalry
As two of the newest teams in the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres and Seattle Kraken are still developing their rivalry. However, both teams are eager to prove themselves and establish themselves as top contenders in the league. The Kraken have already shown they are a force to be reckoned with, winning their division in their inaugural season. The Sabres are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2020-21 campaign and return to the playoffs. With two young and hungry teams facing off against each other, fans can expect an exciting and evenly matched rivalry between the Sabres and Kraken for years to come.