Seattle Kraken select Lukas Dragicevic No. 57 overall in 2023 NHL Draft

The Seattle Kraken have selected Tri-City Americans defenseman Lukas Dragicevic with the No. 57 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Dragicevic is a highly offensive-driven defenseman who just a few short years ago switched from a forward to a defensive role. The Richmond, British Columbia product notched a team-leading 75 points (15 goals, 60 assists) in 68 games with the Americans in the Western Hockey League.

Among WHL defenders, he ranked fourth league-wide. Dragicevic also played at the Top Prospect game and represented Canada internationally. He recorded four points in seven games at the U-18 World Junior Championships, helping Canada achieve a bronze medal. He led all skaters in ice time during the bronze medal game, playing 32:30.

Dragicevic’s offensive instincts are the main reason why he is so dangerous, as he can easily carry the puck into the offensive zone and make tape-to-tape passes, hitting teammates in stride and creating odd-man rushes. Dragicevic spent a big chunk of his time on the powerplay; he has all the right tools to be a modern-day powerplay quarterback.

“Dragicevic loves joining in on the attack and getting involved in the play any way he can,” said Daily Faceoff Senior prospect analyst Steven Ellis. “There aren’t many draft-eligible defenders that can set plays up like him, using as much available time as possible to make the correct play. He needs to work on his foot speed if he’s going to excel in the NHL.”