The Seattle Kraken signed forwards Lleyton Roed and J. R.
Avon to one-year, two-way contracts worth an average annual value of $850,000 on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The signings coincided with the opening of the team's annual development camp.
Both players spent the previous season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL. Roed, 23, achieved career highs with 11 goals and 38 points.
Avon, 22, recorded 24 points in the regular season and added seven playoff goals.
Coaching Change and Development Camp
Amid these roster additions, the Firebirds coaching staff experienced a change.
Assistant coach Stu Bickel departed the organization to become the head coach of the Iowa Wild, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.
The Kraken opened their 2026 Development Camp on Monday with a roster consisting of 12 forwards, 11 defensemen, and three goaltenders.
The camp features eight newly selected draft choices from the weekend.
Former Kraken defenseman Justin Schultz joined the organization as a player development consultant. He will help guide the young defensive prospects throughout the week's sessions.
"I've always wanted to help players try to get to the next level," said Schultz. "I'm really excited to help these players.
They're all obviously great players. They've been drafted or signed [as free agents].
I am just trying to help in whatever way I can."
Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill expressed strong support for the hiring.
"We traded for Justin [at the NHL trade deadline in 2016 when Botterill was with the Pittsburgh Penguins].
He was a solid third-pair defenseman as we won the Stanley Cup," Botterill said. "He's exactly who we want working with our young defensemen."
Prospect Evaluations
Director of Amateur Scouting Robert Kron welcomed the development path of the new draft picks. Many are preparing to play college hockey rather than junior hockey.
"They can focus on the off-ice, getting stronger, getting bigger," said Kron.
"They can spend some time in the gym and get the physical aspect of their bodies up to where it needs to be for the next level."
Kron indicated that the fast pace of the collegiate game will effectively prepare the prospects for their future professional careers.
"It's a fast-paced game, faster than the junior leagues would be," he said. "They're going to be tested."
Kron shared his evaluation of top defensive selection Chase Reid, taken seventh overall in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
"Chase, he's got the size, he's a really good skater, he's got excellent hockey sense," Kron said. "He reads the game very well.
He jumps into play. Great shot.
He can run the power play, walk the blue line."
Kron noted that Reid's offensive capabilities make him a standout player, though defensive refinement remains an ongoing objective.
"His drive and his overall feel for the game makes him one of the most exciting defensemen in this draft," Kron added.
Kron also provided an assessment of second-round draft choice Casey Mutryn, emphasizing his physical presence. "He plays a heavy game, a big body who can score," Kron said.
"He uses his physical attributes; finishes his checks, goes to the net, not easy to move."
Kron discussed third-round pick Viktor Fedorov, noting his maturity and defensive responsibility despite playing in Russia's top league.
"Viktor is an extremely skilled two-way forward, a really good skater," Kron said.
"He played some KHL games already, a very tough league, and didn't look out of place."
Kron confirmed that Fedorov will remain in Russia to continue his professional development in the KHL.
"He should be a regular in the KHL, which for us as a development path is very good," Kron said.
Kron expressed approval of fifth-round choice Finn Kearns, drawing a parallel to legendary NHL players who also played lacrosse.
"Going back to Wayne Gretzky or Joe Nieuwendyk, they were really good lacrosse players," Kron said. "I actually like it that these kids play that sport."
Kron concluded that Kearns possesses strong leadership traits that will benefit his upcoming collegiate team at UMass. "Strong character, extremely intelligent, plays a hard, physical game," Kron said.
"He's a big body on defense, very hard to play against."
