
The Seattle Kraken have assigned Ryan Winterton and John Hayden to the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Josh Mahura cleared waivers and rejoined the Kraken at practice.
Hayden and Mahura were placed on waivers yesterday and both cleared but only Hayden will report to the Firebirds. Mahura will stay with the Kraken and serve as the seventh defenseman, but clearing waivers allows the Kraken to make transactions involving Mahura simpler.
Winterton was not only one of the most impressive young prospects but one of the most impressive players during the pre-season for the Kraken. He played in five pre-season games scoring one goal and three points.
The 21-year-old did everything he could to make the team out of training camp but due to the cap situation and his contract status, sending him to the AHL is the best business decision for them. He's free to move up and down from the minors and will likely get an opportunity at some point to play with the Kraken.
He'll be a focal point in the Firebirds' offence which is filled with young talent. He'll have every opportunity to improve on his 22-goal and 35-point rookie season.
The Kraken could only afford to keep one extra player and chose to go with the veteran experience on the blueline that they get from Mahura.
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