On February 24, 2026, the Seattle Kraken announced contract extensions for forwards Ben Meyers and Ryan Winterton, ensuring their presence on the roster through the 2027-28 NHL season. The new agreements, confirmed by General Manager Jason Botterill, reflect the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team with young, developing talent.
Both Meyers and Winterton will continue with the Kraken under two-year contracts, with Meyers carrying a $1 million average annual value and Winterton earning $1.125 million AAV. These extensions highlight the club’s confidence in their versatility and contributions to the team’s evolving lineup.
Ben Meyers’ Progression and Impact on the Kraken
Ben Meyers, 27, has divided his 2025-26 season between the Seattle Kraken and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. In 31 NHL games with Seattle, he posted 11 points, including 5 goals and 6 assists. Meanwhile, with Coachella, Meyers has been prolific, tallying 13 points over 11 games. Overall, Meyers has participated in 106 NHL contests with Seattle, Colorado, and Anaheim, accruing 19 points, and has experience in six Stanley Cup Playoff games, stemming from 2023 with Colorado.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 194 pounds, Meyers played the bulk of the previous 2024-25 season in the AHL, where he registered personal highs in goals (23), assists (28), and total points (51) across 57 games. His offensive output led Coachella in points, placed him second in goals, and made him a key player on power plays with six goals. Meyers also contributed three points during the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs in six games. Throughout his AHL career, he has amassed 113 regular-season points and four playoff points within 138 games played for Coachella and the Colorado Eagles.
Before turning pro, Meyers sharpened his skills in NCAA hockey at the University of Minnesota from 2019 to 2022. His collegiate accolades include being named Big Ten Player of the Year and earning First Team honors, as well as finishing as a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. Meyers also showcased his abilities internationally, representing the United States at both the 2022 Winter Olympics and the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
Ben is an integral part of our team,
said Botterill.
He’s a versatile player who plays with passion. We’re happy to have him signed for another two years.
Jason Botterill, General Manager
Ryan Winterton’s Development and Contributions to Seattle
Ryan Winterton, now 22 years old, has made significant strides as a forward for the Kraken. In his first full NHL season with Seattle, he recorded 15 points, including 3 goals and 12 assists, across 54 games. Winterton has played a total of 75 NHL games for the Kraken between 2023 and 2026, demonstrating steady progress at the top level.
Winterton has spent considerable time developing with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where his offensive production has been noteworthy. Over two AHL seasons, he accumulated 72 points in 114 games, including 40 goals and 32 assists. In the 2024-25 campaign, Winterton ranked third in goals and sixth in points for the Firebirds, scoring 18 goals and totaling 37 points across 56 games. He has also contributed 14 points in 22 Calder Cup Playoff matches, underscoring his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Prior to his professional career, Winterton played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Hamilton Bulldogs and London Knights, featuring in 124 games and scoring 72 points. His sophomore season with the Bulldogs was a breakout year, with personal bests including 20 goals, 26 assists, 46 points, and 4 game-winning goals despite playing only 37 regular-season games. Winterton’s playoff performances were equally impressive, helping Hamilton claim a championship in 2022 and leading OHL playoff scoring in 2023 with 29 points.
Hailing from Markham, Ontario, Winterton has also represented Team Canada internationally, winning gold at the 2021 U18 World Junior Championship where he contributed four points in seven games. Seattle selected him in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft, 67th overall.
Ryan has taken big strides as a member of the Kraken this season,
Botterill stated.
He’s been able to carve out a role on this team with his speed and strong two-way game. We’re excited to have him under contract through the 2027-28 season.
Jason Botterill, General Manager
Seattle Kraken’s Commitment to Building a Strong Future
Since their establishment in 2021 as the NHL’s 32nd franchise, the Seattle Kraken have steadily grown their roster with promising talent like Meyers and Winterton. Playing their fifth season at Climate Pledge Arena in 2025-26, the franchise aims to solidify its standing in the competitive Pacific Division.
By extending the contracts of these two forwards, the Kraken signal their focus on nurturing skilled and versatile players who can contribute both offensively and defensively. This move not only stabilizes key roster positions but also aligns with the club’s broader strategy to develop depth and resilience as they pursue playoff success in upcoming seasons.
