Tomas Tatar hasn’t been the same man since he became a member of Kraken.

Tomas Tatar joined the Seattle Kraken from Colorado on December 15, as the latest club to join the NHL needed to fill a jersey with an experienced player.

The former Montreal Canadien came to his new team to prove that he was worth more than a 5th-round pick, the price Ron Francis had to pay to “afford” the 33-year-old veteran.

Since becoming a member of the Kraken, Tomas Tatar has suddenly come back to life. His five points in eight games, including two game-winning goals, prove that he’s finally hitting his stride this season.

Since joining #Seakraken, Tomas Tatar is 3-2-5 in eight games and two of his goals have been game winners.

– Alison (@AlisonL) January 5, 2024

During his brief stay with the Avalanche, he was looking for his bearings and playing with his stick too tight for optimal performance. In 27 games in Denver, he amassed just nine points, including a single net, showing that he wasn’t comfortable in this environment.

It’s important to note that Tomas Tatar was fresh off a 20-goal, 48-point campaign (in 82 games) with the New Jersey Devils. But it’s just as important to point out that in 12 playoff games, he picked up just one point (one goal), not known for being a playoff soldier.

Remember that with the Montreal Canadiens, he put in an excellent performance during the regular season, but as soon as it was time to do some serious dancing, number 90 suddenly became less comfortable.

His 13 points in 52 spring games are there to prove that these are not just words thrown around, but facts composed of Tatar’s stick.

That said, with the Kraken, Tatar seems to be reconnecting with his desire to play hockey, allowing his confidence level to fill up game after game. Dave Hakstol is one of those allowing him to flourish, using him on the first combination alongside Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle.

In a gust

– Excellent point about Jake Allen!

I draw a parallel between Jeff Petry and Jake Allen. Both came in with little expectations yet became cornerstones of the team, until the team outgrew them, and they became pariahs.

– Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) January 7, 2024

– Joel Edmundson will play his 500th career match today!

CAPS TODAY: Joel Edmundson will play in his 500th career game today vs. LA. Edmundson, the 15th defenseman drafted in 2011, ranks 5th among blueliners in his draft class in hits (937), 6th in plus/minus (+19) & blocked shots (798), & 8th in games played: https://t.co/EwA0dwZwZb pic.twitter.com/KpiYkc7cMz

– CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 7, 2024

– There’s Bedard, Fantilli, Rossi, but also a certain Luke Hughes.