Tye Kartye became a full-time Seattle Kraken during the 2023-24 season but could elevate his role next year if he takes his offensive game to another level.
Scoring 11 goals and 20 points in 77 games, Kartye provided the Kraken with a decent offensive boost in limited minutes but for him to carve out a more definitive role with the team, he'll have to do more.
The 23-year-old provided the Kraken will a lot of versatility and was a plug-and-play forward for former head coach Dave Hakstol. For the most part, he found himself playing in the bottom six, using his energy and feistiness to get under the skin of his opponents. Other times he would be on a line with Matty Beniers and had to use his skill and forechecking ability to get him the puck.
In both the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the OHL with the Soo Greyhounds, Kartye has shown he can produce points. His rookie season in the NHL was him trying to find his role but in his second season, he needs to show he can be a consistent contributing third-line player and his 6'1 frame gives him the ability to be physical and aggressive on the forecheck, which is needed on effective third lines.
The Kraken upgraded their lineup down the middle of the ice with the signing of Chandler Stephenson. They'll now have the luxury of icing Beniers, Stephenson and Shane Wright in their top nine.
Related: Kraken Sign Chandler Stephenson To Seven-Year Deal
The former AHL rookie of the year is the youngest winger on the team. Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle and Brandon Tanev aren't getting younger and it could open possibilities for Kartye to get more ice time.
Kartye could start on a checking line with Yanni Gourde and Tanev or alongside Shane Wright and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Kartye's play will be the determining factor of what role he receives.
One thing is for certain, if the Kraken want to get back into the playoffs they'll need goals by committee again like they had in the 2022-23 season and Kartye needs to be a part of that committee.
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