The Seattle Kraken have finalized their NHL roster by signing their last restricted free agent, defender Riker Evans, to a two-year deal worth $2.05 million. At 23 years old, Evans completed his first full NHL season, tallying five goals and 25 points over 73 games. He demonstrated his comfort at the NHL level, stepping up as a top-four defenseman during Vince Dunn’s injury and playing on the third pairing when the Kraken’s defense was at full strength.
Jason Botterill, Kraken’s general manager, praised Evans for his steady development since turning pro, expressing confidence that Evans will elevate his performance in the coming season. Drafted 35th overall in 2021, Evans has now appeared in 109 NHL games and is seen as a key part of the Kraken’s youth-driven future.
Evans is known for being a robust defender with solid puck-handling abilities, making him effective on both ends of the ice. He earned a spot on Team Canada’s World Championship roster, marking his first time representing his country, where he contributed two assists and a plus-six rating over eight games.
With Dan and Ryan Lindgren likely securing the top-four defense spots, Evans is expected to start as a third-pair defenseman but will have the chance to compete for a more prominent role.
Fan Take: This signing is a strong signal that the Kraken are committed to building around young, promising talent like Riker Evans. For hockey fans, it’s exciting to see emerging stars get an opportunity to grow and potentially reshape the future of the league.
