Has Tye Kartye Earned a Full Time Role on the Kraken in 2023-24?

The Seattle Kraken called upon rookie Tye Kartye when leading scorer Jared McCann went down to injury in the playoffs. As an unexpected success story for them, Kartye has stepped up and earned his place in the lineup. Originally slotted in as a replacement, the rookie has since stayed in the lineup after McCann has returned. This begs the question, if he is being trusted to continue playing at this high level in the playoffs, has he earned a spot on the team next season?

Kartye just wrapped up his rookie season in the AHL and impressed with 28 goals and 57 points in 72 games. Playing on the top line of Seattle since entering the lineup, he has three goals and five points in nine games. Sometimes players get opportunities at the end of the season or in the playoffs due to injuries and take a bit of time to get back to the NHL the following season. I don’t think that’s the case with the Kraken and Kartye. As general manager Ron Francis is sticking to his plan, part of that plan includes the development of young talent so this team can be competitive for a long time. 22-year-old Kartye has proven he’s ready for the next step.

If Kartye Stays, Who’s Out?

First let’s look at which forwards have contracts ending before analyzing actual production. UFAs include Ryan Donato, Jesper Froden, John Hayden, and Joonas Donskoi. The only one that even makes a difference is Donato because he’s played every playoff game and spent the entire year in the lineup. Now RFAs include Morgan Geekie and Daniel Sprong. Sure, Sprong may have had a great regular season from the fourth line, but that is very tough to replicate and hasn’t been replicated in the playoffs. The only player I can see the team keeping is Geekie. The forward group is very deep and either the team can capitalize on Sprong’s success this season or hopefully sign him for cheap to see if he can do it again.

Related: 4 Kraken Who Won’t Be Back Next Season

Now, in terms of production, Kartye is right up there with the best on the team while playing only 12 minutes a game. He ranks fifth in points-per-game in the playoffs (0.56), ahead of players like Matthew Beniers, McCann, and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Kartye has scored at every level and if the Kraken advance and he continues to do so, it only betters his chances next season.

How Next Pre-Season Could Go

Francis really wanted Shane Wright in the lineup getting minutes, but the Kraken were having too much success with what Dave Hakstol was doing to change that. This season will see as much of a push for Wright to get playing time. But in terms of what their young guys have shown them, Kartye might not be a coveted first rounder, but he’s done more for Seattle so far. I do think there is a way to get both into the lineup, but Wright won’t be successful playing some of the games and on the fourth line.

There will have to be a trade or two to clear out some money while Kartye likely won’t be playing on the top line next season. That doesn’t mean he can’t end up there if he once again shows his scoring ability and aggressive play. Either way, he’s an NHL player and the Kraken see that. If he does spend any more time in the AHL, it won’t be for long.