Sask. NHLers headline Seattle Kraken expansion draft picks
Forward Jordan Eberle headlines a group of Saskatchewan-born NHL players selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft.
Regina-born Eberle, Carlyle’s Haydn and Cale Fleury and Kole Lind from Swift Current officially became a part of the Kraken’s inaugural roster on Wednesday night.
Eberle and Fleury were on hand at the draft event in Seattle, showcasing the Kraken’s white away jerseys.
"You don't get many opportunities to be part of a new franchise," Eberle said. "Any time you get that opportunity to bring the Cup to a city that's never had it before, it's pretty special."
The Regina Pats alumni spent his past four NHL seasons as a member of the New York Islanders.
An 11-year NHL veteran, Eberle has recorded 241 goals and 310 assists throughout his career with the Islanders and Edmonton Oilers.
Curtis Hunt, who coached Eberle during his time with the Pats and currently serves as the general manager of the Prince Albert Raiders, said he anticipates the 31-year-old to step into a prominent role on the team.
"He’s a gifted goalscorer, he’s got tremendous hockey sense, he’s got tremendous skill. He’ll run the power play, he’ll probably play on their top line," Hunt said. "I think Jordan can be the guy there and be the carrier and hopefully they get an opportunity to get into the postseason in that first year."
Haydn Fleury, a 25-year-old defenceman, heads to Seattle from the Anaheim Ducks, after being traded by the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this season. The 2014 first round draft pick has played in 179 games since joining the league in 2017.
Haydn’s brother Cale, a third round pick in 2017, has 41 NHL games under his belt and has spent the past two seasons with Montreal’s farm team the Laval Rocket.
Lind played in his first seven NHL games late in 2020-21. The 22-year-old right wing was originally drafted by the Canucks in the second round of the 2017 rookie draft.
The Kraken will play their first home opener against the Canucks on Oct. 23.
With files from the Associated Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.