Kraken rookie makes impressive postseason history in NHL debut vs. Avs

The 21-year-old became only the eighth player ever to score in their playoff debut and the first since Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar accomplished the feat in 2019. 

Furthermore, Kartye joins Igor Nikulin (1997), Mike Corbett (1968) and Leo Thiffault (1968) as the only player to make his NHL debut for a franchise playing in its first postseason, per NHL PR.  

Kartye was a last-minute replacement for injured forward Jared McCann, who was hit late by Makar in Game 4, leading to a one-game suspension. 

The Kingston, Ontario, native starred for the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, tallying 74 goals and 82 assists for 156 points over three seasons. Despite his success at the junior level, Kartye went undrafted, signing with the Kraken last March. 

Kartye earned the AHL Rookie of the Year Award in his first professional season. In 72 games for the Krake affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Kartye tallied 28 goals and 29 assists, finishing the year plus-17. 

"Undrafted, unheralded, he has done nothing but come to training camp, find out what he needs to work on, and put in the work on and off the ice," Coachella head coach Dan Bylsma told Bob Condor of NHL.com. "Tye is consistently working in practice on the details and habits of his game. The results are evident in his play." 

It's hard to top Kartye's start to his NHL career, but after a solid showing in his debut under the big lights of the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's probably safe to say he's earned another shot should the Kraken need him.