Kraken sign John Hayden to two-year extension

The Seattle Kraken announced they signed forward John Hayden to a two-year, one-way contract extension Wednesday.

Hayden, 30, had a goal and an assist in 20 games for the Kraken last season. He also played 44 games for the team’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, scoring 11 goals and adding 16 assists for 27 points. He also produced two goals and an assist for three points in six AHL playoff games.

“John has been an important player in our organization over the past three seasons, making an impact at both the NHL and AHL level,” said Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill. “He’s a strong leader who brings a terrific work ethic and physical presence. We’re excited to have him in our organization for the next two years.”

In 269 career NHL games, Hayden, a third-round pick for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, has 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 points with the Kraken, Buffalo Sabres, Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils and Blackhawks.

During his four years of NCAA college hockey at Yale University, Hayden scored 50 goals and 41 assists for 91 points in 127 career games. He represented the U.S. at the 2022 World Championship, the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2013 Under-18 World Championship.

The Kraken finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 35-41-6 record and 76 points, finishing seventh in the Pacific Division and 11th in the Western Conference. Forward Jared McCann led the team in assists and points with 39 and 61, respectively. Jaden Schwartz led the team in goals with 26. Chandler Stephenson finished with 13 goals and 38 assists for 51 points.