Feisty Kraken forward Jacob Melanson doesn’t have a new contract. I only bring it up because I was asked about it the other day by a concerned Seattle citizen.
Don’t fret. The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent (RFA) without arbitration rights, the Kraken met their duty by making their qualifying offer this summer ($850,000), and Melanson and his agent Bryan Dube just haven’t settled the deal yet.
Is it expected that number will go up? Yes. A bit. Melanson played 36 games last season and in that abbreviated time he led the NHL club in hits (188). He was a catalyst that made the team harder to play against and he brought energy to the squad via limited 4th line minutes. There were times late in the season when his threesome appeared to be the only ones bringing that energy.
Youngsters Ryan Winterton and Berkly Catton showed similar resolve.
As for our concerned citizen; don’t worry, Melanson’s not going anywhere. He can hold out as long as he’d like for a better deal, but generally not a good idea for bottom-sixers who are battling for a job. It’s not one of those things. Worst case scenario, he decides to jump to Europe for the season, the only issue being, when he returns, he’s still Kraken property.
Worst case scenario for him, he sits out until December 1st and then he’s obligated to sit out the entire season. Again, not gonna happen. Just pointing out the fine print.
Look for him to get a small raise. Whether it’s full time or part time, Seattle could use this fireplug. He’s a much bigger, thicker version of Yanni Gourde in terms of shi(f)t disturbing responsibilities.
This will be a pivotal year in seeing just how much offense Melanson is capable of bringing.
It also comes down to pivotal decision making for Seattle management.
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native would have to clear waivers if he’s sent down to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he played 28 games last season in the AHL.
We’ll soon see. (Unless of course the club has some big deal in the works that includes him …… hmmmm ….. nahhh)
Earlier Seattle:
— Call Him ‘Tony Stark’; Larsson Is Kraken Iron Man
