After dominant performances in Kansas City and Coachella Valley, the veteran netminder faces an uncertain future as his contract expires following a standout season in the Kraken system.
Jack LaFontaine spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with the Kraken’s ECHL affiliate Kansas City Mavericks. Originally drafted by the Caroline Hurricanes in 2016 (round 3, 75th overall), the 28-year-old joined the Kraken organization when he was signed as a free agent by the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2023.
In the years between being drafted and joining the Kraken, LaFontaine spent two years at the University of Michigan (2016-2018), a year in the BCHL with the Penticton Vees (2018-2019), and spilt the rest of the time between the AHL and ECHL affiliates of the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning. He made his NHL debut in 2021, when he played two games with the Hurricanes.
Since signing with Coachella Valley, LaFontaine has spent most of his time in Kansas City. In the 2025-26. season, he played 29 games played with the Mavericks posting a .928 save percentage with a 1.97 goals against average. Due to injuries, he also played five games in the AHL with Coachella Valley where he ended the season at .933 save percentage.
In July of 2025, LaFontaine signed a one year AHL contract with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. That contract expires this summer. There has not been any announcement about an extension at this point, but based on his play and contributions in Kansas City, it is likely that another contract will be offered.
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