The Seattle Kraken went into last night's NHL draft lottery with the second best odds to land generational talent Connor Bedard, but for a second year in a row, the Kraken came up unlucky and dropped down the order. The New York Rangers came away the big winners last night, winning the lottery and getting first crack at picking a future superstar in the upcoming 2023 NEFHL entry draft. Like last year, the Kraken dropped one spot and will pick 3rd.

With Bedard and Adam Fantilli appearing to be locks in the first and second spots, who will the Kraken target at number three? Here are a few options for the Kraken to pair with last year's top pick, C/W Cutter Gauthier (chosen 4th overall):

C - Leo Carlsson (SHL)

At 6'3" and close to 200 pounds, Carlsson appears to be a prototypical, NEFHL #1 centremen. Scouts rave about his playmaking abilities and his poise with the puck. He looks like a surefire NHLer at just eighteen years of age. Carlsson is slated to play for Orebro in the SHL next season.

W - Matvei Michkov (KHL)

Michkov unquestionably has world-class skill level - some feel that his offensive abilities are close to Bedard's. While lacking a bit of size, his hockey IQ is off the charts and figures to be a top line scoring winger at the NEFHL level. Michkov is signed to play for St. Petersburg of the KHL next season. 

C - Will Smith (NTDP)  

Smith has been rising up draft boards quickly in recent months. Some scouts now have him as the #3 ranked player in the 2023 draft. Smith is lauded for his agility and creativity at the offensive end of the ice. He will play at Boston College next season. 

It seems likely that the Kraken will select one of the three aforementioned players in the upcoming draft. While the management team and head coach Rick Tocchet were admittedly disappointed in missing out on both Bedard and Fantilli, the future is still very bright in Seattle.