Ryker Evans was a healthy scratch on Thursday against the Boston Bruins but did return to the lineup on Saturday against the Utah Mammoth. Although it was just one game, is it fair to wonder if Evans' future with the Kraken is in jeopardy?
Brandon Montour has returned to the Seattle Kraken lineup, and the organization has a healthy blueline for the first time this season. With his return, Ryker Evans had seen his place in the lineup disappear.
Heading into the season, Evans was expected to compete for a top-four role, but he was likely to handle third-pairing duties due to the addition of Ryan Lindgren. The conversations have altered from a possible top-four role to even being in the lineup. Cale Fleury, who was expected to start the season in the AHL before injuries occurred, and Jamie Oleksiak, a pending UFA who is predicted to be traded, have kept their spots in the lineup. At the same time, Evans watched a game from the press box.
It’s challenging to come up with an overall conclusion of Evans’ play this season. In 32 games, he’s recorded three goals and 10 points while averaging 17:36 of ice time, nearly two minutes fewer than both of his first two seasons in the NHL. Whether Evans hasn’t garnered the trust of coach Lane Lambert or if he trusts his other defenseman more was in question, but now that he was a healthy scratch, the answer is clear.
When looking at the advanced stats, Evans has had a decent season. According to Natural Stat Trick, the 24-year-old sports 47.22 percent of the expected goals (ninth on the team) and 47.37 percent of the high-danger chances (seventh on the team). That does come in third pairing sheltered minutes.
The issue is that Evans is more of an offensive defenseman, and unfortunately, the Kraken have Montour and Vince Dunn, who are high-end offensive d-men in the NHL. If Evans isn’t deployed in scenarios where his offensive game can shine, he struggles to provide value elsewhere.
He isn’t a shutdown defender, doesn’t play on the penalty kill, and he’s only listed at 6-foot-195 pounds, so he’s not a physical defender either.
Ryker Evans (Kevin Ng-Imagn Images)While it’s still premature to indicate that the Kraken should begin looking for a new home for Evans, his lack of inclusion in the lineup should raise eyebrows. Montour will be with Seattle for the long run, and the Kraken and Dunn’s relationship appears to be strong. An extension when his contract expires after next season isn’t out of the question.
Oleksiak is still a very possible trade candidate, even if the Kraken are in a playoff spot by the trade deadline, which could create a place for Evans to play consistently. However, his future with the franchise does appear to be in question.
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