Locking up one of their young players for the foreseeable future, the Seattle Kraken re-signed winger Jacob Melanson to three-year, $4.35 million contract on Friday. The deal carries a $1.45 AAV and the 23-year-old will remain a restricted free agent when it expires.
The 6-1 Melanson played 36 games with the Kraken last season, scoring two goals and five points. He had nine goals and 19 points in 28 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, adding a goal and five points in 11 AHL playoff games for the team. That was a big step up from 2024-25, where Melanson tallied eight goals and 13 points in 42 games with Coachella Valley.
Such improvements provided more than enough reason for the Kraken to extend Melanson, a player who they believe could have more room to grow in coming years.
“We’re excited to re-sign Jacob,” general manager Jason Botterill said in the team’s press release. “He brought a lot of physicality and energy to our group last season, and we’re looking forward to seeing more from him these next few years.”
Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright was reportedly set to be traded this offseason. Contrary to that reporting, Wright’s agent Kurt Overhardt tells the Emerald City Spectrum that the young center is “fully committed” to Seattle as of now.
“There is nothing we can discuss right now, we will see how things develop over the next few weeks,” Overhardt shared in a statement. “Until that time, Shane is fully committed to the Kraken and that is all he is focused on now.”
In July, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Wright’s camp was working with general manger Jason Botterill on a trade. Other executives who’ve spoken to Seattle said there’s obviously an agreement between team and agent to work together, but the Kraken made it extremely clear they expect a fair price and won’t be pressured into anything they don’t want to do.
Overhardt agreed with that reporting, telling the insider, “I can confirm that we have had positive conversations with GM Jason Botterill, and he has agreed to move Shane this summer to a team in need of a top young center.”
Former top-five NHL draft pick Shane Wright and his camp reportedly were working on a trade from the Seattle Kraken early this offseason, and his time with the organization appeared to be coming to an end.
But with no movement yet on the trade front and training camp beginning later this month, it’s possible - if not probable - Wright at least starts next season in Seattle. And that could be best situation for his development and career.
Last season, the 2022 fourth overall pick played 74 games and finished with 24 points, good for ninth on the team. Wright averaged 13:48 of ice time, which was 10th among Seattle forwards. His ice time peaked in February, where he missed most of the month with injury, but averaged 15:40 of ice time through five games. Wright’s scoring and ice time dwindled alongside the Kraken’s playoff chances in the closing stretch.
While these numbers are underwhelming considering Wright’s promise and draft position, it’s in the player and organization’s best interest to play out this season. Wright has one year remaining on his entry level contract and will be a restricted free agent next summer, and quite frankly, there’s two big reasons why staying put would serve him and the organization well in 2026-27.
The Seattle Kraken are set to begin their preseason schedule in roughly three weeks. The franchise has undergone something of a facelift this offseason, starting with Ron Francis stepping down as president, giving Jason Botterill a larger role than just general manager.
With that change at the top of command, the Kraken made a few trades and signings that will make the NHL roster look a little different to begin this season than it did 12 months ago.
One of the biggest moves the Kraken made was drafting defenseman Chase Reid seventh overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He instantly legitimizes the prospect pipeline for Seattle, a group that ranks sixth-best in the NHL according to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. They have the talent in the organization to build into a winner. The big questions are: can the Kraken develop them properly and which prospects are at the top of the list?
One of the biggest moves the Kraken made was drafting defenseman Chase Reid seventh overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He instantly legitimizes the prospect pipeline for Seattle. One that ranks sixth-best in the NHL according to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. They have the talent in the organization to build into a winner. The big questions are- can the Kraken develop them properly and which prospects are at the top of the list?
It’s the dog days of the NHL offseason, and the Seattle Kraken have still not made significant changes to their roster.
That could be part of the plan for general manager Jason Botterill, as the Kraken could stand pat and wait to make any significant moves until the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.
As of now, the Kraken have some glaring weaknesses that could hold them back. The team’s center depth, even with Shane Wright, is subpar. Seattle’s defense is solid but has just one player under-25. Outside of top prospect Chase Reid, the future of the blue line is questionable.
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have also stood pat this offseason. And, why shouldn’t they? Their roster had no weaknesses last season and the majority of their core is signed to reasonable contracts. But the Hurricanes have some unfinished business still to take care of, and the Kraken could help.
Alexander Nikishin
It is curious why 24-year-old Alexander Nikishin remains a restricted free agent this deep into the offseason. Before coming overseas for the 2025 playoffs, Nikishin was a dominant KHL defenseman.
In 2025-26, his first full NHL season, Nikishin performed well. He was a great third pair defenseman, whose role elevated when players went down with injury. He had 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games. He finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting, the league’s Rookie of the Year.
Ushering in a new season, rookie camp begins for the Seattle Kraken on Friday. For many Kraken youngsters, rookie camp and the scrimmage against the Vancouver Canucks’ rookies on September 12 and 13 are just the typical preseason rituals. Many of these players will return to their junior team after training camp or are already penciled into the Coachella Valley Firebirds lineup.
But for some of these players, rookie camp serves as an extension of training camp. As part of the new NHL and NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s only four preseason games and training camps were shortened. As a result, many NHL teams have invited youngsters on the bubble of the roster to get them playing early and make early assessments on their opening night rosters.
Looking towards rookie camp, which players bear watching with eyes on earning an AHL or NHL role?
Jani Nyman
Nyman has played parts of two seasons in the NHL and been a great scorer in the AHL. He averaged just 10:34 of ice time when he played in the NHL last season, and had four goals and seven points in 28 games, not taking quite the jump the organization hoped.
The 22-year-old Nyman is still waivers exempt, and is in a crowded forward group. His previous NHL games played and 49 goals in 117 AHL games might not matter. On the NHL roster, the Kraken has offensive winger options like Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Kaapo Kakko, Berkly Catton, and Mackie Samoskevich, who was acquired from the Florida Panthers this offseason. Competing for fourth line minutes, there’s also still recently re-signed Jacob Melanson, Curtis Douglas, Ryan Winterton, and Ben Myers.
Locking up one of their young players for the foreseeable future, the Seattle Kraken re-signed winger Jacob Melanson to three-year, $4.35 million contract on Friday. The deal carries a $1.45 AAV and the 23-year-old will remain a restricted free agent when it expires.
The 6-1 Melanson played 36 games with the Kraken last season, scoring two goals and five points. He had nine goals and 19 points in 28 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, adding a goal and five points in 11 AHL playoff games for the team. That was a big step up from 2024-25, where Melanson tallied eight goals and 13 points in 42 games with Coachella Valley.
Such improvements provided more than enough reason for the Kraken to extend Melanson, a player who they believe could have more room to grow in coming years.
“We’re excited to re-sign Jacob,” general manager Jason Botterill said in the team’s press release. “He brought a lot of physicality and energy to our group last season, and we’re looking forward to seeing more from him these next few years.”
Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright was reportedly set to be traded this offseason. Contrary to that reporting, Wright’s agent Kurt Overhardt tells the Emerald City Spectrum that the young center is “fully committed” to Seattle as of now.
“There is nothing we can discuss right now, we will see how things develop over the next few weeks,” Overhardt shared in a statement. “Until that time, Shane is fully committed to the Kraken and that is all he is focused on now.”
In July, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Wright’s camp was working with general manger Jason Botterill on a trade. Other executives who’ve spoken to Seattle said there’s obviously an agreement between team and agent to work together, but the Kraken made it extremely clear they expect a fair price and won’t be pressured into anything they don’t want to do.
Overhardt agreed with that reporting, telling the insider, “I can confirm that we have had positive conversations with GM Jason Botterill, and he has agreed to move Shane this summer to a team in need of a top young center.”
Former top-five NHL draft pick Shane Wright and his camp reportedly were working on a trade from the Seattle Kraken early this offseason, and his time with the organization appeared to be coming to an end.
But with no movement yet on the trade front and training camp beginning later this month, it’s possible - if not probable - Wright at least starts next season in Seattle. And that could be best situation for his development and career.
Last season, the 2022 fourth overall pick played 74 games and finished with 24 points, good for ninth on the team. Wright averaged 13:48 of ice time, which was 10th among Seattle forwards. His ice time peaked in February, where he missed most of the month with injury, but averaged 15:40 of ice time through five games. Wright’s scoring and ice time dwindled alongside the Kraken’s playoff chances in the closing stretch.
While these numbers are underwhelming considering Wright’s promise and draft position, it’s in the player and organization’s best interest to play out this season. Wright has one year remaining on his entry level contract and will be a restricted free agent next summer, and quite frankly, there’s two big reasons why staying put would serve him and the organization well in 2026-27.
The Seattle Kraken are set to begin their preseason schedule in roughly three weeks. The franchise has undergone something of a facelift this offseason, starting with Ron Francis stepping down as president, giving Jason Botterill a larger role than just general manager.
With that change at the top of command, the Kraken made a few trades and signings that will make the NHL roster look a little different to begin this season than it did 12 months ago.
One of the biggest moves the Kraken made was drafting defenseman Chase Reid seventh overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He instantly legitimizes the prospect pipeline for Seattle, a group that ranks sixth-best in the NHL according to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. They have the talent in the organization to build into a winner. The big questions are: can the Kraken develop them properly and which prospects are at the top of the list?
One of the biggest moves the Kraken made was drafting defenseman Chase Reid seventh overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He instantly legitimizes the prospect pipeline for Seattle. One that ranks sixth-best in the NHL according to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. They have the talent in the organization to build into a winner. The big questions are- can the Kraken develop them properly and which prospects are at the top of the list?
It’s the dog days of the NHL offseason, and the Seattle Kraken have still not made significant changes to their roster.
That could be part of the plan for general manager Jason Botterill, as the Kraken could stand pat and wait to make any significant moves until the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.
As of now, the Kraken have some glaring weaknesses that could hold them back. The team’s center depth, even with Shane Wright, is subpar. Seattle’s defense is solid but has just one player under-25. Outside of top prospect Chase Reid, the future of the blue line is questionable.
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have also stood pat this offseason. And, why shouldn’t they? Their roster had no weaknesses last season and the majority of their core is signed to reasonable contracts. But the Hurricanes have some unfinished business still to take care of, and the Kraken could help.
Alexander Nikishin
It is curious why 24-year-old Alexander Nikishin remains a restricted free agent this deep into the offseason. Before coming overseas for the 2025 playoffs, Nikishin was a dominant KHL defenseman.
In 2025-26, his first full NHL season, Nikishin performed well. He was a great third pair defenseman, whose role elevated when players went down with injury. He had 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games. He finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting, the league’s Rookie of the Year.
The NHL preseason is still a month away. Seattle Kraken news is slow as we enter the dog days of summer and the NHL offseason, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel with hockey not being that far away from returning, as camp opens in September.
Let’s take a look at the Kraken roster as it stands today and discuss two breakout candidates. When naming a “breakout” candidate, this does not necessarily mean they are going to compete for the Hart Trophy. It means that they could be poised to take another step in their development and even put together career years.
Ryker Evans, D
Evans is a 24-year-old left-shot defenseman, selected 35th overall by the Kraken in the 2021 NHL Draft. It has been a slow burn for Evans since then, rising through the ranks of the WHL and AHL, earning his stripes in Regina and then Coachella Valley. Over the last two seasons, he finally set himself into the main rotation of blue liners in Seattle, playing in 73 games in 2024-25 and 67 last season for the Kraken.
All offseason, Seattle Kraken fans have heard about a possible trade that would ship young center Shane Wright out of town. Reports came out earlier in the offseason that the Kraken and Wright were on the same page in moving forward with trading the former No. 4 overall pick.
However, rumors have stalled. As of now, Wright still remains on the roster. A trade does not feel like a guarantee.
Even still, Jason Botterill and company can upgrade the roster elsewhere. The Kraken have the second-most cap space in the NHL, according to PuckPedia.com. They have the resources to acquire a player with a sizable paycheck to make a difference on the roster.
It's a slow time of the year on the NHL calendar, but it's not out of the question to see trades in the heat of August as teams continue to tweak their rosters for the rapidly approaching new season.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks out the trade machine exploring three different deals the Kraken could do to improve their team and/or add draft capital for the future in a jam-packed Kraken the Ice, including the latest idea to move former top-five pick Shane Wright to a hated rival.
Ushering in a new season, rookie camp begins for the Seattle Kraken on Friday. For many Kraken youngsters, rookie camp and the scrimmage against the Vancouver Canucks’ rookies on September 12 and 13 are just the typical preseason rituals. Many of these players will return to their junior team after training camp or are already penciled into the Coachella Valley Firebirds lineup.
But for some of these players, rookie camp serves as an extension of training camp. As part of the new NHL and NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s only four preseason games and training camps were shortened. As a result, many NHL teams have invited youngsters on the bubble of the roster to get them playing early and make early assessments on their opening night rosters.
Looking towards rookie camp, which players bear watching with eyes on earning an AHL or NHL role?
Jani Nyman
Nyman has played parts of two seasons in the NHL and been a great scorer in the AHL. He averaged just 10:34 of ice time when he played in the NHL last season, and had four goals and seven points in 28 games, not taking quite the jump the organization hoped.
The 22-year-old Nyman is still waivers exempt, and is in a crowded forward group. His previous NHL games played and 49 goals in 117 AHL games might not matter. On the NHL roster, the Kraken has offensive winger options like Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Kaapo Kakko, Berkly Catton, and Mackie Samoskevich, who was acquired from the Florida Panthers this offseason. Competing for fourth line minutes, there’s also still recently re-signed Jacob Melanson, Curtis Douglas, Ryan Winterton, and Ben Myers.