Next up in our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Sleepers series is the Seattle Kraken. The Kraken are looking to build off their strong 2022-23 season this campaign. They have a strong roster, led by Jaren McCann, Vince Dunn, and Matty Beniers. Yet, they also have some sleepers worth picking in your fantasy drafts, too. Let’s discuss them now.
Seattle Kraken Sleepers for 2o23-24 Fantasy Hockey
Philipp Grubauer
Some fantasy hockey players may be quick to avoid Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer. They have an argument too, as he struggled during the regular season in 2022-23. In 39 appearances, he had a decent 17-14-4 record but his 2.85 GAA and .895 SV% were not great. However, his solid play during the playoffs helped the Kraken go on a nice run. Who’s to say he cannot carry this over to 2023-24?
In the past, Grubauer has shown that he can be an elite goaltender. This was especially so during his days with the Colorado Avalanche. If he can regain his previous form, he will be a steal of a pick in the later rounds of your fantasy hockey draft.
Andre Burakovsky
Andre Burakovsky is an underrated Kraken whom fantasy hockey managers need to consider in their drafts. The 28-year-old quietly had an excellent season in 2022-23, posting 13 goals and 39 points in 49 games. Had it not been for injury trouble, he would have likely set a new career high in points. Yet, now that he is healthy, he can now build off his excellent yet short campaign.
Burakovsky is a player worth considering once the big-name stars are off the board. He will have a top-six spot on the Kraken’s roster in 2023-24 and be a key contributor to their power play. With these big minutes, he should have zero trouble replicating last season’s offensive totals. In fact, he has a shot to even improve his pace of production. Thus, truly consider adding him in your fantasy hockey drafts.
Shane Wright
Kraken top prospect is another sleeper who you should consider for your fantasy hockey team. However, because his spot on their NHL roster is not guaranteed, you may want to wait to add him as a waiver wire addition. Yet, when noting that he has immense potential, he is a clear breakout candidate worth paying attention to from here.
Wright was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft for a reason. His offensive IQ is spectacular, and he has a chance to become an impactful NHL player as soon as this season. Therefore, if he makes the Kraken’s roster out of training camp and cements himself a middle-six role on their roster, certainly consider taking a chance on the future star.
Alas, it is quite apparent that the Kraken have some excellent sleeper options worth selecting in your fantasy hockey drafts. Grubauer and Burakovsky are two Stanley Cup winners who can have big seasons. Wright, meanwhile, is a prime breakout candidate to look out for as the year rolls on. It will be fun to see how this trio performs in 2023-24 from here.
Make sure to check out all of the sleepers and breakouts of the 2023 fantasy hockey season!