With the new youth movement the Seattle Kraken are embracing, Ville Ottavainen could be a quiet contender to play several games in the NHL.

The 23-year-old completed his second season in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and although his point totals were lower this past season, his all-around game improved, earning a call-up to the NHL when the season was concluding. In his NHL debut, he recorded an assist in 14:24 of ice time. 

Ottavainen finished the 2024-25 AHL season with three goals and 15 points in 68 games, a step down from his eight goals and 34 points in his 70-game rookie campaign. 

The 2021 fourth-round pick (99th overall) possesses a massive 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame that assists him in keeping the front of the net clear. His long reach breaks up plays in transition and when his opponents are cycling the pucks. 

His breakout abilities prior to the draft were what scouts said were holding him back. Since then, he's made improvements to that aspect of his game and has at the very least become a capable puck mover. His strengths could complement Ryker Evans' game, and Evans' strengths could complement Ottavainen's if the two were paired in the NHL. 

Currently, Ottavainen is on the outside looking in, but a strong training camp and pre-season could put him on coach Lane Lambert's radar. Lambert loves players who can kill plays, and Ottavainen does it better than most. 

On the depth chart, Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson, Brandon Montour, Ryan Lindgren and Evans are without a doubt ahead of him. Jamie Oleksiak and Josh Mahura likely are too, but plenty of rumors have circulated about Oleksiak's availability on the trade market, and Mahura was signed to serve as the seventh defenseman. 

Ottavainen may have to start the season in the AHL, but he could find himself up on the NHL roster very quickly if he continues to impress as he's done previously.