> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Analysis: 5 Kraken Youngsters to Watch at Rookie Camp - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/seattle-kraken-rookie-camp-2026-jani-nyman-jagger-firkus/ - Published: 2026-09-10T20:04:56.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:10:24.000Z - Author: Josh Frojelin - Tags: Analysis, Kraken, Jani Nyman, Jagger Firkus, Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, Ty Nelson, Lukas Dragicevic Ushering in a new season, rookie camp begins for the Seattle Kraken on Friday. For many Kraken youngsters, rookie camp and the scrimmage against the Vancouver Canucks’ rookies on September 12 and 13 are just the typical preseason rituals. Many of these players will return to their junior team after training camp or are already penciled into the Coachella Valley Firebirds lineup. But for some of these players, rookie camp serves as an extension of training camp. As part of the new NHL and NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s only four preseason games and training camps were shortened. As a result, many NHL teams have invited youngsters on the bubble of the roster to get them playing early and make early assessments on their opening night rosters. Looking towards rookie camp, which players bear watching with eyes on earning an AHL or NHL role? ### **Jani Nyman** Nyman has played parts of two seasons in the NHL and been a great scorer in the AHL. He averaged just 10:34 of ice time when he played in the NHL last season, and had four goals and seven points in 28 games, not taking quite the jump the organization hoped. The 22-year-old Nyman is still waivers exempt, and is in a crowded forward group. His previous NHL games played and 49 goals in 117 AHL games might not matter. On the NHL roster, the Kraken has offensive winger options like Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Kaapo Kakko, Berkly Catton, and Mackie Samoskevich, who was acquired from the Florida Panthers this offseason. Competing for fourth line minutes, there’s also still recently re-signed [Jacob Melanson](https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/home/thrilled-to-be-back-seattle-kraken-re-sign-jacob-melanson-three-year-deal), Curtis Douglas, Ryan Winterton, and Ben Myers. Nyman will have the advantage of an extra week to impress coaches to earn an opening night roster spot. But as a waivers exempt player, sending him down will be the path of least resistance. ### **Jagger Firkus** The 22-year-old Firkus is facing the same roster logjam as Nyman. He’s entering the final season of his rookie contract after two productive seasons in Coachella Valley. Last season, the 5-11 winger recorded 21 goals and 56 points in 63 games. He still hasn’t earned his first NHL callup, however. If, or when, and injury comes up for an offensive winger in the Kraken top nine, Firkus will hope to be the first forward called up. That campaign to jockey for such position begins at rookie camp. ### **Oscar Fisker Mølgaard** A 2023 second rounder, Fisker Mølgaard has the benefit of playing center, where Seattle isn’t near as deep or strong. The 6-0 forward put up 10 goals and 34 points in 49 games during his first full AHL season. He added an impressive seven goals and 11 points in 12 games. He even went to the Olympics with Denmark. Matty Beniers, [Shane Wright](https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/home/seattle-kraken-shane-wright-fully-committed-per-agent), Chandler Stephenson, and Frederik Gaudreau make up an overall lackluster center core. Mølgaard’s versatility and two-way play could earn him a call up or 13th forward spot to start the season if he impresses at rookie camp. ### **Ty Nelson** A 5-10 blueliner, Nelson has been all-around solid through his first two AHL seasons and is in line for an NHL look this season. Seattle has seven defensemen penciled onto their roster now: Vince Dunn, Brandon Montour, Adam Larsson, Ryan Lindgren, Ryker Evans, Josh Mahura, and Cale Fleury. The top-four is pretty set, but Nelson should earn a look at getting a sixth or seventh defenseman spot. Plus, Seattle only has three of those defensemen extended beyond next season. Nelson has a real shot to see meaningful ice time next season, and an impressive camp could make that sooner rather than later. ### **Lukas Dragicevic** Dragicevic’s bid to earn consistent AHL power play time starts now. In his first full AHL season, the 6-2 blueliner put up only a goal and 11 points in 43 games. That was a steep drop off from the above point per game pace Dragicevic put up in the WHL. The 21-year-old Dragicevic is a skilled defenseman, who will make his money in the offensive zone and on the power play. At rookie camp, he needs to establish himself as a certain AHL power play quarterback and continue taking on larger responsibilities for Coachella Valley. Dragicevic is a high-upside prospect who will need consistent minutes to develop into an NHL player, as a callup on that front still seems a ways away.