A reunion with a familiar face has given a promising young forward a smoother transition into professional hockey. The player, known for his speed, has found comfort in training alongside a former college teammate now on the same team. Their shared history appears to be accelerating his adjustment to the league’s demands. The dynamic highlights how personal connections can play a key role in early-season development.

For new Kraken forward Mackie Samoskevich, one of the league’s faster skaters, a reunion with old college teammate and current training camp linemate Matty Beniers has helped ease the way toward possi ...