Ryker Evans got his taste of training camp with the Seattle Kraken in September, and it was enough to fuel a final major junior season that moved offensively at full speed ahead.
Evans, 20, selected by the Kraken in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, agreed to a three-year entry level contract with the Kraken on Friday. The four-year defenseman of the Regina Pats, finishing his final major junior season as an Eastern Division second-team All-Star, will join the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League.
Evans finished seventh in the WHL for points among defensemen and led all Pats blueliners with 61 points in 63 games.
“We’re excited to sign our second-ever draft pick, Ryker Evans,” said Kraken general manager Ron Francis in a team statement.
“He had a really impressive season with the Regina Pats and we’re looking forward to having him continue his development with our organization.”
Evans joins Matty Beniers as the first two draft picks in Kraken history, both signed for entry level deals. Next season, Evans is eligible to join the Kraken, or play in their minor league system which includes an expansion franchise, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, opening American Hockey League play in the 2022-23 season.
Evans set WHL career highs in nearly every offensive category with 14 goals along with a plus-nine rating and three game winning goals.
Evans had 131 points in 195 career WHL games.