We are so back! The Seattle Kraken kick off their rookie camp on Wednesday at the Kraken Community Iceplex, which gives us another chance to check out players from their impressive prospect pool.

It goes without saying that Berkly Catton and Jani Nyman should be watched closely, as they figure to be in the conversation for the NHL roster, but we’re digging a bit deeper here to consider a few less-touted players that I’ll be closely monitoring.

I’m always excited for rookie camp to see how these prospects are sizing up in a slightly more competitive environment compared to development camp earlier in the summer. Without further ado, here are four players to keep an eye on in rookie camp.

Oscar Fisker Mølgaard

“OFM” has been one of my favorite Kraken prospects since he was drafted. He’s been a strong two-way center for HV71 over the last three seasons, and he’s still just 20 years old. Mølgaard has attended three development camps with the Kraken, but this will be his first rookie/training camp.

His stat line from last season of five goals and 14 assists in 38 SHL games doesn’t exactly leap off the page. But considering the SHL’s lower-scoring environment, his age, and his role, that production is very good. Add in his experience playing for Denmark in Olympic qualifiers and World Championships over the last 12 months, and you’ve got a guy who already knows what it’s like to compete against NHLers.

Oscar Mølgaard with the first Danish goal of the tournament and it’s a beautiful shorthanded breakaway 😭😭 @Firebirds @SeattleKraken pic.twitter.com/4H4Nu15JL3

— Kara (@howbradly) May 10, 2025

When you watch him, pay attention to his defensive game. Many prospects struggle with that transition against NHL competition, but Mølgaard is ahead of the curve there. Don’t be surprised if he earns at least one preseason game… or two.

Tyson Jugnauth

The left-shot defenseman’s development path has been well-documented here. Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Jugnauth spent a season and a half at Wisconsin before moving on to the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. Late this past spring, he committed to Michigan State but ultimately chose to sign his entry-level deal with the Kraken.

Since joining Portland, Jugnauth has been a game breaker, racking up 179 points in 142 combined regular-season and playoff games. This summer, he took things a step further by moving to Seattle to train with Kraken staff, adding muscle and strength to his game.

On the ice, he’s always showcased plenty of skill, but now it will be interesting to see how that added strength helps him compete against pro-level players. Winning puck battles, holding opponents up defensively, and showing he can translate his WHL success are the big things to watch as rookie camp blends into main camp next week.

live laugh love Tyson Jugnauth goals pic.twitter.com/Qi32WTV0DF

— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) January 5, 2025

Lukas Dragicevic

A right-shot defenseman taken in the second round of the 2023 draft, Dragicevic is one of seven Kraken prospects expected to play his first full pro season in North America this year.

A former forward, his calling card has always been his offensive ability, with the defensive side of his game lagging a bit. Word is he’s been focusing on his defensive play, so camp will be a good test of how far he’s come. He has the skill to create highlight-reel plays, but adjusting to the AHL level will be the next hurdle.

It’s worth remembering he looked out of place against Calgary in preseason last year, so I’ll be watching to see if he looks more comfortable this time around.

Carson Rehkopf

Since the team’s inception, Kraken fans have been clamoring for a true goal scorer. Carson Rehkopf might develop to be that guy. Selected 50th overall in the 2023 draft, his shot has impressed me more than anyone else’s in the system (although Jani Nyman’s shot is lethal too).

He scored 52 goals in 60 games in the OHL in 2023–24, then followed it up with 42 in 57 games in 2024–25. The dip in production isn’t a concern, but to stick in the NHL, Rehkopf needs to round out his two-way game. Honestly, I think he would have benefitted from playing NCAA hockey last season (if the CHL/NCAA eligibility rule had changed just one year earlier). The AHL will now provide that same test of structure and responsibility.

This year in Coachella Valley should give us early clues about what kind of player he could become at the NHL level.

Other quick thoughts on players of note:

Caden Price – The 2023 third-round pick continues to fly under the radar. He’s ranked higher on the Kraken’s internal prospect lists than most public analysts give him credit for.

David Goyette – A dynamo in junior, Goyette’s first year in Coachella Valley felt a bit underwhelming compared to the astronomical numbers he put up in the OHL. This season will be a big one for his development.

Eduard Šalé – The 2023 first-rounder had an ok year in the AHL as a 19-year-old, but for a first-round pick, you’d hope for a little more. Rookie and training camp could give us an early glimpse of him taking that next step.

Logan Morrison – We didn’t mention him on last week’s prospect-heavy Sound Of Hockey Podcast, but “LoMo” might just be a dark horse to crack the Kraken lineup at some point this season.

Rookie camp is here

The Kraken’s rookie camp is always fun, but this year feels especially intriguing with the influx of prospects expected to play in Coachella Valley this season. Some of these guys could be knocking on the NHL door sooner rather than later, and for others, it is going to be fun to see how they adjust to the next level. For fans, it provides a glimpse into the future and a benchmark to see these players in their respective development journeys.

Training camp schedule can be found here and rosters are here.