The Kraken’s 30 picks were scheduled to be into the NHL by 10 a.m. ET. At 8:58 a.m. ET the first tweet was sent out.
“Early word is #SeaKraken are closing in on contracts with two UFA defensemen: Adam Larsson (EDM) and Jamie Oleksiak (DAL),” Daily Faceoff insider and president of hockey content Frank Seravalli tweeted.
After that the floodgates were open. By 12:30 p.m. ET, 29 of the 30 picks were leaked out.
KRAKEN ROSTER TRACKER: Latest updates, rumors and picks
Of course, that left a lot of people scratching their heads because ESPN is set to air the expansion draft. The reveal is the network’s first big production since getting back the NHL’s broadcast rights in the United States. Now they have 90 minutes to fill with the intrigue and drama pretty much, well, gone.
There are rumors swirling that deals were aplenty but until that is assured, Twitter did its best to help the producer fill the show’s rundown out — and had some jokes.
With @SeattleKraken expansion draft picks all apparently leaked already, tonight on ESPN2, the NHL will share a brief overview of the SEA roster, then fill the remaining 85 minutes of airtime explaining goaltender interference.
— Scouting The Refs (@ScoutingTheRefs) July 21, 2021
ESPN – We paid a ton of money to get the NHL rights back and as our re-introduction to all the hockey fans, we will have a special expansion draft show with all the picks, so much suspense!!!
Frank Seravalli – Hold my beer
— Dan Silver (@dsilver88) July 21, 2021