Seattle Kraken
· 2026-07-02
Seattle Kraken have bolstered their forward depth by signing Lleyton Roed and J.R. Avon to one-year, two-way contracts worth $850,000 AAV for the 2026-27 season. The moves were confirmed by General Manager Jason Botterill on June 29, 2026, as the club looks to improve its roster while sitting 13th in the Western Conference, 34-37, on a three‑game losing streak as of July 2.
Lleyton Roed, a 23‑year‑old from White Bear, Minnesota, spent his second full AHL season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s affiliate. He posted a career‑high 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) over 65 games in 2025‑26, ranking fourth in points among Firebirds players. His playoff production included seven points in 12 Calder Cup games, with three goals and four assists.
J.R. Avon, 22, hails from Peterborough, Ontario, and also logged his 2025‑26 campaign with Coachella Valley. He recorded a career‑high 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in the regular season and added eight points (seven goals, one assist) in 12 postseason contests, tying for the most goals among Firebirds skaters in the playoffs.
Both players have demonstrated the ability to produce at the AHL level, offering the Kraken flexible depth options. Roed’s balanced playmaking and Avon’s goal‑scoring touch could translate to the NHL when called up, especially as Seattle seeks to address scoring depth on its third line. The two‑way nature of the deals means the club can move them between Seattle and Coachella Valley without cap penalties, preserving roster flexibility.
The Kraken entered the offseason with a sub‑.500 record and a three‑game skid, prompting the front office to add young talent with upside. Roed’s 27 assists suggest he can help generate secondary scoring, while Avon’s seven playoff goals indicate a knack for finding the net in high‑pressure moments. Their contracts also align with the club’s strategy of developing players within its own system rather than pursuing high‑cost free agents.
Both forwards will report to Kraken training camp in September, where they’ll compete for roster spots or continue their development with the Firebirds. Their performance in camp will determine whether they earn a spot on Seattle’s opening‑night roster or serve as depth call‑ups throughout the grueling Pacific Division schedule. Fans can expect to see them on the ice early, as the Kraken aim to climb out of the Western Conference’s lower tier.
If Roed secures a regular‑season role, he could slot into the third or fourth line, providing a reliable two‑way presence. Avon’s goal‑scoring instincts may earn him time on the power play’s lower unit, especially if injuries open up opportunities. Either way, the signings add youthful energy and give Botterill more options as the team navigates a demanding schedule.
The Kraken’s front office continues to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent, hoping the infusion of Roed and Avon will help reverse the current losing streak and push the club toward a playoff push later in the season.