Winterton said he was happy to get into a game this weekend as the week ahead will be all-systems go for veterans to use the upcoming pair of preseason contests to get game-ready for a season start that features four division opponents in the first five games.
“It’s a nerve-wracking day, right?” said Winterton about a first game back. “Even for guys like me, Hades [John Hayden]. It was funny enough. I asked Ebs [Jordan Eberle] if he still gets nervous for his training camps. He said, ‘Absolutely.’
Making-a-Case Studies: Nyman, Firkus, Nelson
No matter what Kraken roster cuts are announced Monday, young winger Jani Nyman made a strong case for a bright future with Seattle. He scored the opening goal in Saturday’s preseason home win over Vancouver and shined in all three zones.
“Jani played very well,” said Lane Lambert Saturday post-game. “I thought there were certain things Jani did in certain areas of the game in which he made good plays. He made some good wall plays [at the offensive end]. He did some good things down in our zone.”
Sunday night, he was active again, including logging a secondary assist on the night’s first Kraken goal. Lane Lambert said earlier this week he thought Nyman has gained a step in his skating and there appears to be no debate on that.
Jagger Firkus looked good in the 2026 Prospects Showcase Sept. 12 and 13, generating a multitude of scoring chances for teammates and himself. He picked up a pair of assists in Abbotsford, BC, versus Vancouver prospects.
He was back at it Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena, delivering another solid three-zone effort and manifesting that strong forechecking leads to offensive opportunities. Sunday, Firkus cracked the goals column of the scoresheet, taking a spot-on pass from Jon-Randall Avon to send an undeniable laser past Calgary’s NHL-tested young goaltender Devin Cooley. Oscar Fisker Molgaard started the scoring sequence for the secondary assist.