It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the dog days of summer. However, there’s still plenty of work for general managers. Many major signings have happened. However, there are still a number of free agents that need new deals. These free agents are of the the restricted variety. Talks can be slow at times, but executives are working to make these deals happen. No one wants an unsigned contract situation looming before the start of training camp.
One team that has a key restricted free agent to sign is the Seattle Kraken. This edition of NHL rumours deals with an RFA blueliner that needs a new deal.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Update on Next Deal for Seattle Kraken RFA Blueliner
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Luke Fox released his list of the top unsigned restricted free agents. Kraken defenceman Ryker Evans shows up at the number six spot on Fox’s list.
Analysis: The 23-year-old defender remains without a deal into the middle part of the summer. Evans had a salary cap hit of $897,500 and completed his first season as a regular in Seattle’s lineup.
The Calgary native was on the third pairing with Josh Mahura for most of the 2024-25 campaign. Evans notched five goals and 20 assists for 25 points in 70 games last season. The youngster got 19 minutes and 29 seconds of ice time in his first full season with the Kraken.
Evans seemingly got put into more power-play situations as the season wore on. It looked like he earned the trust of Dan Bylsma and the coaching staff last season. However, new Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill and President Ron Francis decided to make a coaching change.
Seattle has installed Lane Lambert as the new bench boss and one wonders what that will do to Evans’ ice time. However, Botterill told KJR in Seattle that they’ll get a deal done with Evans.
What It Means
It seems that is part of the bigger picture despite the coaching change. Botterill’s openness to get a contract done is a good sign. The Kraken prioritized fellow RFA Kaapo Kakko‘s new deal, but that has been taken care of.
Fox then speculated on what Evans’ next contract may look like. A bridge contract seems to be what the two sides will likely agree to, according to Fox. The Sportsnet writer said that a former Kraken player’s deal looks like a good template for Evans.
Will Borgen signed a two-year deal with an average cap hit of $2.7 million is a comparable that Fox used. Borgen did end up being traded to the New York Rangers, but Botterill could use this deal as Seattle may offer Evans.
Seattle does see potential in the young defender. He could be a future power-play quarterback and may have some offensive upside. The Kraken are trying to get back into contention after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs the last two campaigns. It’s a tough road forward, but there are some good players like Evans that could be the catalyst to turning things around.
Main photo by: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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