The Seattle Kraken have made strategic moves to bolster their roster, securing depth at the center position with two key contract extensions through the 2027-28 season. On Tuesday, the team announced that centers Ben Meyers and Ryan Winterton have inked new deals, with Meyers' contract set at an average annual value of $1 million and Winterton's slightly higher at $1.125 million.
Ben Meyers, at 27, has been a consistent contributor for the Kraken this season, tallying 11 points through five goals and six assists in 31 games. His versatility has also been on display with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he’s racked up nine goals and four assists over 11 games.
Meyers' journey to the NHL began after a solid collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, leading to his signing with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 as an undrafted free agent. His path has been anything but linear, involving a trade to the Anaheim Ducks before landing in Seattle as an unrestricted free agent for the 2024-25 season.
Over 106 NHL games, Meyers has accumulated 11 goals and eight assists.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Ryan Winterton, a third-round pick by Seattle in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, has shown promise with 15 points from three goals and 12 assists in 54 games this season. Last year, he had a brief stint with the Kraken, recording just one assist in 12 games, but he found his stride with the Firebirds, posting 37 points in 56 games.
The Kraken are currently in a strong position, tied for third in the Pacific Division with 63 points from 56 games, holding onto a playoff spot in the Western Conference. As they gear up for the post-Olympic break, Seattle is set to hit the road for a two-game trip, facing the Dallas Stars on Wednesday and the St.
Louis Blues on Thursday. These moves signal the Kraken's commitment to building a competitive squad, ensuring depth and skill as they push towards the playoffs.