What Is The Best Way To Deploy The Kraken's Defence Core?

With the addition of Brandon Montour, Dan Byslma has six NHL-calibre defensemen at his disposal, each with a different profile.

The Kraken solidified their defence core after signing Montour to a seven-year contract and trading veteran Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Ducks. The deal opened a roster spot for Ryker Evans and freed up cap space to eventually sign Matty Beniers.

Related: Kraken Trade Brian Dumoulin To The Ducks For Draft Pick

Going into the 2024-25 season, the six defensemen Bylsma and assistant coach Bob Woods will be working with are Montour, Evans, Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson, Jamie Oleksiak and Will Borgen.

Montour, Larsson and Borgen are the three right-handed defensemen on the roster and will play on the right side of the blue line. Montour is the most offensively gifted of the three with Larsson and Borgen coming in as the sturdy defenders who move the puck efficiently.

The left side of the defence core for the Kraken is made up a bit differently. Dunn and Evans are both smooth-skating offensive defensemen who have developed the defensive side of the game. They move the puck with speed and precision and are often the reason why the Kraken generate rush chances. Oleksiak is profiled a bit differently. Listed at 6'7, the 31-year-old plays a physical game with a bit of an edge. He's not afraid to throw his weight around or get into fights if he needs to.

The most balanced and stylistically matched approach Bylsma can run would be:

Dunn-Larsson

Oleksiak-Montour

Evans-Borgen

Each pairing has a smooth-skating defender who excels offensively and one who is better on the defensive side of the puck.

Another option for the Kraken could be:

Dunn-Montour

Evans-Larsson

Oleksiak-Borgen

The top two pairs would help drive more offence from the backend and the third pairing of Oleksiak and Borgen would serve as the shutdown pair.

If at any point Evans shows signs of struggles in the NHL or an injury occurs, Josh Mahura; the most recent Kraken signing can step in and fill the void. He's a trustworthy defender who can come in and out of the lineup seamlessly.

Related: Is Ryker Evans Ready To Be A Full-Time NHLer For The Kraken?

With this solidified defence group, the Kraken will be able to compete against any team in the NHL.

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