Seattle Kraken prospect Lleyton Roed signed a two-way, three-year contract with the franchise and is preparing for his first AHL season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The 22-year-old forward played two seasons with the Bemidji State University scoring 27 goals and 61 points in 74 games prior to signing with the Kraken. Before beginning his NCAA career he played for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL scoring 22 goals and 41 points in 60 games. The offensive tools were there for Roed but he needed an NHL team recognizing it. A Hobey Baker nomination helped his cause as many teams were interested in signing him but he chose the Kraken.
The stellar play from his NCAA career carried into training camp with HC Dan Bylsma praising his speed and ability to hunt down the puck. He factored into one pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, recording an assist and three shots on goal in just 10:39 of time on ice in a 3-1 win.
Listed at 6’0, 179 lbs, Roed has the frame of an ideal winger in the NHL. Honing his skills and developing his game with the Firebirds should help him inch closer to his goal of playing in the NHL.
The White Bear Lake, Minnesota native has picked up AHL experience, though it’s minimal. He played five games to end the Firebirds’ season and another five in the playoffs. He scored a goal and an assist in the regular season and chipped in another goal in the playoffs.
The Firebirds’ roster is filled with young offensive talents and Roed understands where he needs to be to find his name on the scoresheet; in front of the net.
“That’s where the goals are scored,” said Roed in a conversation with Bob Condor of NHL.com. “If you want to get in the action, that’s a good spot to go. It ended up working for me in the [Calder Cup] final. I found one out front. I’ve always been taught by coaches to go to dirty areas.”
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The answer shows maturity and this is something that can be hard for a player to understand and then perform. Players with speed like Roed has, love to have the puck and make plays for the outside. Understanding that he needs to do to evolve his game is a great step. He also feels comfortable in his game and knows what he needs to do to improve.
“Two things I need to work on, one is puck play under pressure, handling pressure, making plays under pressure,” said Roed. “At this level, everything happens so much faster, so that’s a big thing. The second thing is being strong and holding my own on the puck. The feet come first for me; that’s my forte. My hands have got to catch up to my feet. But it’s quite simple. If I’m trying to do too much with my hands, holding on to the puck, I adjust. I’m quite confident and let my feet carry me to good [scoring] areas.”
Roed was one of the final players to be cut from the Kraken roster and sent to the AHL. The Firebirds begin their season tonight against the Bakersfield Condors and the speedy winger will look to make his mark early.
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