Different Ways The Kraken Can Deploy Their Forward Group

The Seattle Kraken have the luxury of a balanced offensive attack and head coach Dan Bylsma will have to figure out the best lineup for him to deploy.

But before conjuring up a lineup, Bylsma must decide if the balanced offensive approach is the correct option or if playing with two checking lines and two full-out offensive lines is wiser.

The Kraken still have to go through training camp and preseason to determine who will be on the roster before they begin their season on Oct. 8, against the St. Louis Blues.

Balanced Attack

Jared McCann - Matty Beniers - Jordan Eberle

Eeli Tolvanen - Chandler Stephenson - Andre Burakovsky

Jaden Schwartz - Shane Wright - Oliver Bjorkstrand

Tye Kartye - Yanni Gourde - Brandon Tanev

This lineup is extremely balanced with each line possessing players who are considered defensive specialists and offensive dynamos. McCann stays beside Beniers forming the traditional sniper and playmaker duo. Stephenson is paired beside two scoring wingers allowing him to be creative and skate with the puck in transition.

Wright skates alongside trusted veterans Schwartz and Bjorkstrand who will help him remain focused defensively but also allow him to dictate the offensive game for the trio.

The fourth line is a hard-nosed checking line that will get in the face of the opponents. They'll keep the puck out of their net and put heavy pressure on the opponent's defensemen while on the forecheck.

Related: Dan Bylsma Is The Perfect Coach For Shane Wright And His Success Will Continue Next Year With The Kraken

Determined Top Six and Bottom Six

McCann- Beniers - Eberle

Stephenson - Wright - Bjorkstrand

Tolvanen - Schwartz - Burakovsky

Kartye - Gourde - Tanev

In this edition, the top six would carry the load offensively. The most creative and productful offensive players would be playing together and Bylsma would look to find advantageous situations to deploy them.

The bottom six would be used in a checking/shutdown role. They would take the bulk of the defensive zone draws and play most of their minutes against the other team's top-scoring line.

The Kraken's defensive numbers could take a hit if they went this route but their offensive numbers would take a jump.

Younger Offensive Driven Line

McCann - Beniers - Bjorkstrand

Stephenson - Wright - Jagger Firkus

Tolvanen - Berkly Catton/David Goyette - Eberle

Kartye - Gourde - Burakovsky

This of course is the least likely lineup the Kraken will consider. The youth would bring a lot of excitement but the results the Kraken would be looking for would not follow. Goyette and Firkus will likely see NHL action later in the season but injuries would need to occur. Catton is almost certainly heading back to the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs.

With numerous offensive options at their disposal, the Kraken can be creative with their lineup and should find the offensive form they had in the 2022-23 season.

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