The Seattle Kraken have locked in defenseman Ryker Evans for the next two seasons, announcing a two-year contract extension on August 11, 2025. The deal carries an average annual value of $2.05 million, totaling $4.1 million. With this signing, the Kraken have now secured all of their remaining unsigned players from last season.

Evans, 23, has quickly become a key part of the Kraken's defensive core. Drafted in the second round, 35th overall, in 2021, he exceeded many initial projections. He has consistently improved since turning professional. Last season, Evans played his first full NHL campaign, appearing in 73 games and recording 5 goals and 20 assists for a total of 25 points. Overall, the Calgary native has accumulated 34 points in 109 NHL games. Evans also made his international debut for Team Canada at the 2025 World Hockey Championship, contributing two assists in eight games.

Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill expressed his confidence in Evans' continued development. "Ryker took a positive step forward in his first full season in the NHL," Botterill said. "Since turning pro, he's shown improvement year over year, and we're confident he'll take his game to another level next season. We're happy to have him under contract".

Evans first debuted with the Kraken two seasons ago, playing 36 games and showcasing the two-way abilities he had previously demonstrated in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL). His standout rookie season in the AHL during 2022-23 further solidified his potential.

This extension signifies the Kraken's belief in Evans' potential and his importance to the team's future. With his consistent progress and solid performance, Evans is expected to play an even larger role for the Kraken in the seasons to come.