Seattle Kraken Signs Defenseman Ryker Evans to Two-Year Extension

The Seattle Kraken have signed 23-year-old defenseman Ryker Evans to a two-year contract extension worth $4.1 million, keeping him with the team through the 2026-27 season. Evans, a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, completed his first full NHL season in 2024-25, recording five goals and 25 points in 73 games, and has totaled 34 points in 109 NHL games to date. Kraken general manager Jason Botterill praised Evans for his steady improvement since turning pro and expressed confidence in his continued development. In addition to his NHL play, Evans made his international debut with Team Canada at the recent IIHF World Championships, contributing two assists in eight games. While Evans is considered a reliable bottom-four defenseman, his offensive upside may be limited due to limited power-play opportunities behind established players Vince Dunn and Brandon Montour. Evans was the last of Seattle's restricted free agents to reach an agreement, following wingers Kaapo Kakko and Tye Kartye.