While the Seattle Kraken might have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Coachella Valley Firebirds have clinched their spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the third straight season. This is just their third season in the American Hockey League (AHL), yet in the previous two seasons, they made it to the Final. Now is certainly the time to pay attention to this team, as there are players here who could be in the NHL full-time next season. This is what happened to Shane Wright. He played two full seasons in the AHL and then entered the NHL for his first full season this past year. These are the players whom Kraken fans should keep an eye on.
Jani Nyman
The 2022 second-round draft pick earned his chance to play in the NHL for the first time this season. Jani Nyman was called up to the big show and played in 12 games. He scored a goal in his first game and earned six points via three goals and three assists.
Although he was called up to the NHL late in the season, Nyman spent most of the season with the Firebirds. This is also his first full season in the AHL. He played in 58 games and scored 28 goals, and recorded 16 assists for a total of 44 points.
Nyman has already proven he is capable of setting foot on NHL ice. Averaging 13:59 total ice time (TOI) in his NHL career, he has shown that he is capable of working long shifts and putting up points. Could he be the next Wright, the next player from Coachella Valley to make it in the NHL full-time?
Ryan Winterton
Ryan Winterton is another name that should be familiar to Kraken fans. He was called up several times to the NHL this season, playing in 12 games in total. He still has yet to score his first NHL goal; however, he recorded one assist in his time in the NHL. With a minus-11, he still needs some time to grow in the NHL.
This is Winterton’s second season with the Firebirds, playing in 56 games. He scored 18 goals and tallied 19 assists for 37 points this season. He was a vital part of the playoffs for the Firebirds last season, playing in 18 postseason games and recording 12 points from seven goals and five assists. With a plus-9, Winterton certainly made an impact with the Firebirds when it mattered most.
Jagger Firkus
While the name Jagger Firkus might not ring a bell for many Kraken fans, it should soon. He was drafted by Seattle in the second round, 35th overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft. This is his first season with the Firebirds, as he played with the Moose Jaw Warriors from 2021-22 to 2023-24. In his first season with Coachella Valley, he has recorded 36 points via 15 goals and 21 assists.
While Firkus has not recorded a lot of points this season, he has added great scoring depth to the Firebirds. In his first season with the team, he is making a strong impact.
Nathan Villeneuve
When it comes to defense, the Kraken lack an enforcer. Although they have Jamie Oleksiak, a taller defenseman at 6-foot-7, he is not much of a fighter. Although this is not something that every team in the NHL needs, Nathan Villeneuve is a player to keep your eyes on.
Villeneuve was selected in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, 63rd overall. He has spent most of the season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sudbury Wolves, playing in 57 games where he earned 70 points via 34 goals and 36 assists. He has only played five games with the Firebirds and has recorded one assist. With a plus-2 in just five games, Villeneuve is proving he adds a great presence to Coachella Valley.
In his first game with the Firebirds, Villeneuve dropped the gloves with Scott Sabourin of the San Jose Barracuda, so he is already making a strong impression. Could he add an enforcer presence that the Kraken are currently lacking?
Niklas Kokko
There is no denying that Seattle struggled to find a backup goaltender this season. While Joey Daccord was the starting goaltender, Philipp Grubauer struggled to stop pucks from crossing the goal line. They sent Grubauer down to the AHL and tried out three different Firebirds players to give them a chance at NHL ice. Niklas Kokko is certainly a goaltender fans should keep their eyes on.
Related: Kraken Call Up Niklas Kokko From Coachella Valley
At just 21 years old, Kokko has played in 33 games this season and went 20-10-2. He earned a save percentage SV% of .913 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.26. He has been the clear starter for Coachella Valley, as Ales Stezka has played in 26 and Victor Ostman has only played in five. Kokko might be young, but he has had a strong performance all season. Since he already touched NHL ice, could he see more chances to play in the NHL next season? His performance in the playoffs could determine this.
Coachella Valley in the First Round
The Firebirds will play their first series of the Calder Cup Playoffs against the Calgary Wranglers.
