SEATTLE — The Kraken had a plethora of choices picking 20th at Wednesday’s opening of the NHL draft but went after a 6-foot-2, 175-pound left wing in Eduard Sale, 18, from Czechia.
Sale had been expected to go higher by some pundits but remained when the Kraken had their pick. They could have opted for a defenseman but had said heading in that they would go for the best player still available, of which two-way, intelligent threat Sale was considered to be once the 20th pick arrived.
Sale was voted Rookie of the Year playing for Brno in the top Czech professional league this past season, scoring seven goals and adding seven assists in 43 games. He’s projected as a potential power play and penalty kill asset.
