Ryker Evans signed a two-year extension with the Seattle Kraken, locking in a mobile, 23-year-old defenseman through 2026-27 with a 2.05 million AAV. In his first full NHL season, Evans posted 25 points (5 goals, 20 assists) across 73 games, establishing himself as a reliable, up-tempo blueliner with room to grow. A second-round pick from 2021, he debuted in December 2023 and finished with 34 points in 109 NHL games, signaling a rising contributor on Seattle’s back end.

Seattle’s brass back Evans, stressing his yearly progress and belief he’ll elevate his game again next season. His international experience with Canada at the world hockey championship—two assists in eight games—adds to his profile as a young defender who can push for more minutes and increased role, including potential power-play opportunities as he develops.

For fantasy audiences, the deal hints at a stable, cost-controlled defensive option in Seattle’s system who could emerge as a multi-category contributor if minutes and role expand. Evans’ trajectory suggests a potential jump from a solid depth piece to a breakout candidate, assuming he continues advancing his two-way game and offensive pop while benefiting from a growing Kraken core.