Seattle Kraken sign first player, President’s Trophy race down to the wire, and more NHL action
Anthony Scultore
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The Seattle Kraken have finally provided hockey trivia fans with the answer to the question: who was the first ever Kraken player? Also, the NHL race for the President’s Trophy will come down to the Avalanche and Kings season finale tonight.
Let’s get to all the news and action from yesterday.
Seattle Kraken sign first player: Luke Henman
When the question comes up during Jeopardy or while playing your favorite Sports Trivia game remember the name Luke Henman. Yesterday, the 21 year-old captain of the Blainville-Boisbriand in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League was signed to a three-year deal to become the first ever Kraken.
Seattle Kraken GM, Ron Francis is familiar with the kid who was drafted by his last team the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. Another former employee of the Canes, Robert Kron is the directory of amateur scouting and worked directly with Francis on the decision to sign Henman.
“So when we made the decision to move forward, you talk to your guys and try to get the name that they feel is the best to be the first person signed for the organization and, when we talked to everybody, Luke was the one we decided to move forward with,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said. “So we’re excited to have him onboard.”
NHL.com
“I’m extremely excited and I can’t wait to get to work,” the young center said. “This is a dream come true for me and I’m extremely honored.”
Congrats to the Kraken and Luke Henman on this historic occasion.
NHL President’s Trophy Race
The Vegas Golden Knights ended their season with a 6-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. In the process, Marc-Andre Fleury secured the William M. Jennings Trophy for he and Robin Lehner. The award goes to the best goalie tandem in the NHL for allowing the least goals in a season. They currently hold first place in the West and the league by two points.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche took out the Kings by the same 6-0 score. If the Avs can beat them again tonight they will take not only first place but the President’s Trophy as the NHL’s best team and home ice throughout the playoffs.
The Blues were also in action and beat the Wild 4-0. Both teams will play again tonight to close out their regular seasons.
Projecting all the top NHL award winners
Connor McDavid hits 104 points – with another game to play
The Oilers defeated the Canadiens 4-3 with Connor McDavid picking up another two assists in the process. He now has 104 points in 55 games and can add to that total on Saturday to close out the NHL regular season. That also marks the start of the NHL playoff later that night between the Capitals and Bruins.
Auston Matthews recorded his 41st goal of the season as the Leafs fell to the Senators 4-3 in OT. This will be his first ever Rocket Richard Trophy in his young career. Frederik Andersen made his first start since coming odd injury with 24 stops in the OT loss.