Well, this is a surprise.
The Seattle Kraken have selected Gavin Bayreuther in the expansion draft instead of Max Domi, Kevin Stenlund, or Dean Kukan. It's a head-scratching move for a couple reasons, but there may be more to it than we know at this time. Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reported that there were no side deals involving the selection of Bayreuther, but there could be another deal in the works with Seattle outside of the draft.
Mild surprise from #CBJ. The pick is not Max Domi.#SeaKraken will be selecting D Gavin Bayreuther from Columbus.@DFOHockey
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 21, 2021
Bayreuther played nine games for the Blue Jackets last season, tallying 1-0-1. He is also an unrestricted free agent. The 27-year-old defenseman showed flashes during his brief NHL stint, but it is very surprising that the Kraken did not elect to take the more established left-handed defenseman in Dean Kukan.
We're stoked to have you, @Gavinbay7! pic.twitter.com/CqKMp7wO49
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 22, 2021
