Ryker Evans has been developing in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds for the past two seasons and is poised to make the jump into the NHL with the Seattle Kraken.
Despite playing 36 games in the NHL last year, most of his games came at the end of the season when the Kraken were out of the playoff race and the games he played prior, it was always likely that he would be sent back down to the Firebirds at any time. Heading into the the 2024-25 season, the Kraken traded Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Ducks opening a full-time NHL roster spot that Evans will likely grab.
Related: Kraken Trade Brian Dumoulin To The Ducks For Draft Pick
In the 36 games with the Kraken, Evans scored one goal and nine points. With the Firebirds he scored two goals and 15 points in 25 games.
He was once again dominant in the playoffs, following up his five goals and 26-point performance in the 2022-23 playoffs with four goals and 10 points in the 2023-24 postseason.
The Kraken have been patient with the 22-year-old's development, but now more than ever, Evans' is ready for the next step.
The Calgary, Alberta native will have the advantage of not feeling rushed or overwhelmed due to the Kraken's deep defensive depth. He won't have to play heavy minutes against the opponent's best players, be forced into quarterbacking the Kraken's power play unit or play a critical part in the penalty kill. That's not to say he doesn't have the ability or won't have the opportunity to do any of this during the 2024-25 season or in the future, but he won't have the pressure of doing so at a young age.
Brandon Montour and Vince Dunn have carried that load before and are being paid to do so, allowing Evans to learn from them. They'll quarterback the power play unit and play against the other teams' top lines. Evans can play alongside a veteran defenseman in more sheltered minutes to start the year and his role will increase as he gains more experience and confidence.
Barring any injuries, the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft will be walking into a very advantageous situation for a young defenseman. The Kraken have set up his development for him to go on and be very successful.
Evans has been able to do it at every level and it's now time for him to show the league what he has to offer. He will have to earn his spot during training camp and preseason but as long as he shows what he is capable of, Evans will be an every-game player with the Seattle Kraken.
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