Seattle Kraken prospects Lleyton Roed and J.R. Avon shared a lot in common besides being restricted free agents.
They’re both young forwards (Roed, 23, Avon, 22) who stand 6-foot-0. Neither was drafted. Each played last season for the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds, reaching double-digits in goals (Roed, 11, Avon, 10).
And as of Monday, Roed and Avon both signed one-year, two-way deals ($850,000 AAV) for the 2026-27 season.
Roed (above left image) appeared in his second full season with the Firebirds. The White Bear, Minn. native totaled 38 points over a career-high 65 regular-season games in 2025-26. In 12 Calder Cup playoff games, he added three goals and four assists. Avon (above right image) produced a career-high 24 points in his first season with the Firebirds. The Peterborough, Ont. native’s seven goals were tied for the most among all Coachella skaters in the playoffs.
Kraken Farm Team Says Bye-Bye To Bickel
While the pair of forwards will be returning to Coachella Valley, assistant coach Stu Bickel won’t be. Bickel has been named coach of the Iowa Wild, AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.
Bickel has served on the Firebirds coaching staff since the organization’s inaugural season in 2022-23. During his four seasons behind the bench, he played a pivotal role in the development of the club’s defense alongside head coaches Dan Bylsma and Derek Laxdal.
“Stu has been an integral part of what we’ve built here in the Coachella Valley,” Firebirds general manager Troy Bodie said in a statement. “His hockey knowledge, work ethic, and passion for developing players have made a lasting impact on our organization.”
Samoskevich Was Florida’s Last 1st
Roed and Avon would do well to follow the lead of new Kraken forward Mackie Samoskevich. As a prospect himself at AHL Charlotte, when Samoskevich didn’t have a good game, he was the first to say so. “You need that from players,” said Checkers coach Geordie Kinnear, “to give an honest evaluation of their own play. As a coach, it makes it easy. His growth is awesome.”
The fact the Florida Panthers, Mackie’s former team, are in the middle of their championship window makes Samoskevich a trivia answer. The 23-year-old forward was drafted by Florida in the 1st round, 24th overall, in 2021.
The Panthers got a 1st round pick from Seattle in the trade for Samoskevich, only to send it to the Ottawa Senators hours later in the Brady Tkachuk blockbuster. Florida also sent Ottawa a 1st round pick in 2029. Barring more transactions, the Panthers will not pick in the 1st round again until 2030, a span of nine years.
Earlier Kraken:
— No Deal With Kraken; Tolvanen To Hit Free Agency
