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Kraken sign 2nd round draft pick Ryker Evans to Entry Level Contract

He heads to Charlotte to join the Checkers for the playoffs

By danmorse
Seattle Kraken v Edmonton Oilers Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images

The Kraken announced on Friday afternoon that they signed defender Ryker Evans to a 3-year, entry-level contract.

Evans had nothing short of a career year with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League this season. He set career highs in every offensive category, finishing 7th among WHL defensemen with 61 points.

“We’re excited to sign our second-ever draft pick, Ryker Evans,” said Seattle Kraken General Manager Francis. “He had a really impressive season with the Regina Pats and we’re looking forward to having him continue his development with our organization.”

The Pats fell just short of the playoffs this year, in spite of the Herculean efforts of Evans and teammate Connor Bedard (the presumptive 2023 #1 overall pick). He won’t join the Kraken this season, and will not “burn” a year from his contract like Matty Beniers. According to the Athletic’s Ryan Clark, the hope is that Evans will sign an amateur tryout offer and join the Charlotte Checkers for the AHL playoffs coming up next week, thereby giving Evans a chance to practice against bigger, tougher competition in a professional setting.

Update: 3:22pm

The Checkers did indeed announce that Evans will join them for the Calder Cup Playoffs. The development starts now!

Congratulations Ryker!