Kraken Place Frederick Gaudreau on IR, Recall John Hayden From Coachella Valley
In a series of roster moves, the Seattle Kraken announced today that forward Frederick Gaudreau has been placed on injured reserve (IR). To fill his spot on the roster, the team has recalled forward John Hayden from the Coachella Valley Firebirds, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
Gaudreau was traded to Seattle by the Minnesota Wild during the 2025 offseason. In exchange, Minnesota received a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 32-year-old center played in the first four games of the season for the Kraken, recording one assist on October 14th. He left the game against the Ottawa Senators on October 16th in the second period and did not return. The nature and extent of Gaudreau's injury remain undisclosed. Prior to being traded to the Kraken, Gaudreau signed a five-year, $10.5 million contract with the Wild in 2023.
John Hayden, 30, returns to the Kraken after starting the season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. In a corresponding move, Hayden was recalled from AHL Coachella Valley. Before being sent to the minors ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, he rejoined the NHL club after Gaudreau was placed on injured reserve. Hayden has already made one appearance for the Kraken this season. He played in 20 regular-season games for Seattle last year, notching a goal and an assist, along with 44 hits, 31 penalty minutes, and 19 blocked shots while averaging 8:31 of ice time. He also skated in 44 regular-season contests with Coachella Valley, tallying 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists). In the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, Hayden contributed two goals and three points in six games.
Hayden's recall provides the Kraken with a physical presence and depth in their bottom-six forwards. Known for his strong work ethic and willingness to engage physically, Hayden brings valuable experience to the team. The Chicago native has played 250 NHL games with Chicago and Seattle as well as the Sabres, Devils, and Coyotes.
Hayden's contract carries a league-minimum cap hit of $775,000 on a one-way deal for this season.
The Kraken have faced a series of injuries early in the 2025-26 season. Forward Kaapo Kakko is sidelined for six weeks with a broken hand sustained in a preseason game. On the defensive end, Ryker Evans is out for 6-8 weeks with an upper-body injury.
