Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans will skate in his 100th career NHL game tonight against the Calgary Flames.
The Kraken selected Evans in the second round (35th overall) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, following a three-goal and 25-point campaign in the WHL with the Regina Pats. He played in just 28 games that season due to injuries and quickly followed that season with 14 goals and 61 points in 63 games.
Evans would spend the following season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he further impressed the Kraken organization. In his rookie campaign, he scored six goals and 44 points in 71 games, but he took things to another level in the playoffs, recording five goals and 26 points in 26 games.
The 2023-24 campaign saw Evans receive his first bit of NHL action, playing in 36 games. Now, in the 2024-25 season, the 23-year-old has established himself as a full-time NHL defenseman, averaging 19:24 of ice time.
In 63 games, Evans has scored five goals and 24 points. The Calgary, AB native took over the second power play duties while Vince Dunn was out with an injury and saw an uptick in his numbers. The production dropped off since Dunn returned, but his overall impact on the game never wavered.
His ability to defend the rush and efficiently move the puck has proved to be a valued asset, and he's continued to gain the trust of the coaching staff. Evans will be an RFA when the season concludes and is inline to get a pay raise.
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