Defenseman Playing For AHL Firebirds In Calder Cup Playoffs
Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans is finding an unconventional way to cobble together a full season of games.
Evans, a 2021 Kraken 2nd round pick, started the 2023-24 season at AHL Coachella Valley. Despite an impressive training camp, management figured Evans would benefit more from regular playing time rather than being Seattle's 7th d-man.
The struggling Kraken recalled Evans first in December, then for good in January. He'd logged 25 regular season games with the Firebirds. Often a healthy scratch, injuries to other Kraken defenders allowed Evans to play his first 36 NHL games to good reviews.
Since that only adds up to 61, the Kraken returned Evans to Palm Desert for the Firebirds playoff run. Game 4 of the Calder Cup Final Thursday at Acrisure Arena will be Evans' 16th postseason game.
Once Ryker's extended season finally concludes, that's expected to be his last appearance in a CV sweater.
Top-pair Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn talks about the 22-year-old blueliner in this Kraken Reaction.