The Seattle Kraken locked in an important piece of their blue line, signing Ryker Evans to a two-year, $4.1M extension ($2.05M AAV). General manager Jason Botterill announced the deal and praised Evans’ steady year-over-year growth.
First Full NHL Season: Solid Two-Way Impact
Evans, 23, completed his first full NHL season with 25 points (5G, 20A) in 73 games, plus a heavy dose of the hard stuff: 123 hits and 106 blocked shots. That combo tells you exactly what he is right now — a reliable, competitive defender who can move pucks and finish his checks.
“Ryker took a positive step forward in his first full season in the NHL… we’re confident he’ll take his game to another level next season.” — Jason Botterill
Evans Drafted, Then Developed — The Right Way
Evans was a Kraken second-round pick, 35th overall in 2021 — and, yes, that selection raised eyebrows at the time because most scouting rankings had him projected to go later. On the NHL’s own final list for that draft class, Evans ranked 192nd among North American skaters. Seattle trusted their read; the player has rewarded it.
He was also passed over in his first year of eligibility (2020), a season disrupted by COVID scheduling and lingering size questions. That’s part of why his rise feels earned: more growth, more polish, and a lot of work between draft days.
Why This Deal Makes Sense
For Seattle, $2.05M AAV for a 23-year-old who already logs reliable minutes is smart cap management. You’re paying for the player he is today — a steady second-pair option who helps on retrievals, exits, and PK — with upside if the offense ticks up. For Evans, it’s security and a runway to take another step under the new leadership group.
What’s Next for Evans
• Role: Expect more of the same — matchups you can trust, clean first passes, and that physical edge that showed up in the hit and block totals. If he nudges the offense from 25 points toward the low-30s, that’s a win.
• Fit under the new regime: With Botterill now running hockey ops day-to-day and the coaching changes in place, there’s a clear focus on structure and pace — a good match for Evans’ straight-line, detail-first game.
Final Thought
This is exactly the kind of drafted-and-developed piece you want to keep: affordable, reliable, still climbing. The Kraken didn’t overthink it — they kept a good thing at a fair number and bet on another step forward. That’s how you build a blue line that lasts.
