Seattle Kraken Re-Sign Forward Jacob Melanson to Three-Year Contract

The Seattle Kraken officially announced on Friday that they have re-signed restricted free agent forward Jacob Melanson to a three-year contract extension, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $1.45 million.

Drafted by Seattle in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Melanson spent the previous season splitting his time between the Kraken and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. During his tenure with the Firebirds, he recorded nine goals and 19 points across 28 games.

In 36 appearances for the Kraken at the NHL level, Melanson registered five points, consisting of two goals and three assists. His campaign featured a four-game point-scoring streak, beginning with his first career assist on December 29, followed by two more assists in subsequent games, before netting his first NHL goal on January 5. Known for his physical style of play, Melanson also contributed 188 hits.

Armed with a new one-way contract, Melanson’s time in Coachella Valley might be coming to a close, although he will have to make the Kraken out of training camp. It wasn’t until December 14 that Melanson played in his first NHL game of the season.

At 23 years old, there is still plenty of room for him to grow and develop as a player. He should be part of the bottom six to start the season, and the coaching staff will expect him to provide them with the toughness and skills he has proven capable of. The Kraken believe in their young core, and Melanson’s new contract shows they want him to be part of it.

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