The Seattle Kraken announced on Tuesday that they have re‑signed forward Lleyton Roed and J.R. Avon to one‑year, two‑way contracts for the upcoming 2026‑27 season. Both players bring a blend of speed and experience that the coaching staff believes will translate well to the NHL roster.
Roed and Avon spent the previous campaign with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where Roed recorded 11 goals and Avon added 10. Their contributions helped the Firebirds clinch a playoff berth and gave the Kraken a glimpse of depth options for the coming season.
A coaching shift in Iowa
Assistant coach Stu Bickel, who has been part of the Firebirds’ staff since the franchise’s inaugural 2022‑23 season, is leaving to take the helm of the Iowa Wild. Bickel’s promotion brings a familiar face to the AHL affiliate and signals a new direction for the Wild’s development program.
The move also clears the way for the Kraken to focus on other roster moves. Forward Mackie Samoskevich, drafted by the Florida Panthers in the first round, 24th overall, in 2021, has now been traded to Seattle. The trade chain involved a 2029 first‑round pick moving from Florida to Ottawa as part of a larger blockbuster, leaving the Panthers without a first‑round selection until 2030 unless further moves occur.
With these transactions, Seattle aims to solidify its depth and maintain momentum as the organization looks toward the next competitive window. The re‑signings and coaching change underscore a strategic push to blend home‑grown talent with fresh leadership across the Kraken’s affiliate network.