Kraken sign Jacob Melanson to three-year contract

The Seattle Kraken announced on Friday that they have re-signed restricted free agent forward Jacob Melanson to a three-year contract that will carry a salary cap hit of $1.45 million on an annual basis.

Melanson, the Kraken’s fifth-round pick with the No. 131 overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, got his first extended run of NHL action last season, as he notched two goals and three assists for five points in 36 regular season appearances.

“We’re excited to re-sign Jacob,” general manager Jason Botterill said via the team’s press release. “He brought a lot of physicality and energy to our group last season, and we’re looking forward to seeing more from him these next few years.”

A six-foot tall winger, Melanson made an impression with his commitment to physicality last year, notching 188 hits, good for over five per game. Despite playing for less than half of the season, Melanson still ranked 31st in the NHL in hits.

“I’m feeling awesome,” Melanson said. “My fiancé and I are over the moon to have the deal done and be back in Seattle for another three years. She loves it here. I love it. It’s an amazing fan base… My time in Seattle [last season] was great. I learned so much up there.”

A native of Amherst, Nova Scotia, Melanson also spent considerable time in 2025-26 with Seattle’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

While there, he flashed more offensive upside than he had the year prior, racking up 19 points in 28 games after recording 13 in 42 AHL contests during the 2024-25 campaign.

Melanson figures to feature on the Kraken’s fourth line on the club’s Opening Night roster, as Seattle will look to bounce back from a disappointing season that saw them finish well outside the Stanley Cup Playoff picture with a record of 34-37-11.