Seattle Kraken forward Ryan Winterton takes temporary leave of absence

The Seattle Kraken have announced that forward Ryan Winterton is stepping away from the team on a temporary leave of absence to attend to a family matter. 1 2 The club issued a statement via social media confirming the news, emphasizing that no further details will be provided out of respect for privacy. 3 This development comes just days after Winterton missed two games due to illness. 4

At 22 years old, Winterton has been a steady presence in Seattle’s lineup this season, appearing in a career-high 62 games. His contributions have highlighted his growth as a reliable two-way player. As the Kraken push for a Western Conference wild-card spot, his absence raises questions about depth and timing.

Winterton’s journey from draft pick to NHL regular

Ryan Winterton was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the third round, 67th overall, of the 2021 NHL draft. Hailing from Markham, Ontario, the 6-foot-2 center brought size, speed, and skill to the organization right away. He honed his game in the Ontario Hockey League before transitioning to pro hockey with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Over his first two NHL seasons, Winterton played sparingly, logging just 19 games combined. Those early appearances showed promise but limited impact, with minimal points. He spent most of that time developing in the minors, where he posted solid numbers and earned call-ups.

This season marked his breakthrough. Winterton earned a more permanent spot in the lineup, showcasing the speed and defensive reliability that general manager Jason Botterill has praised. His steady improvement reflects the Kraken’s patient development approach with young talent.

The forward’s work ethic has not gone unnoticed. Teammates and coaches have highlighted his role in bottom-six minutes, chipping in offensively while killing penalties effectively.

Winterton’s growth aligns with Seattle’s rebuild strategy. From draft day to regular contributor, his story exemplifies the pipeline the Kraken are building.

Performance highlights in the 2025-26 season

Winterton has reached new heights in 2025-26, playing 62 games with career-best totals of four goals and 14 assists for 18 points. 2 His plus/minus stands at +1, with 74 shots on goal and limited power-play time.

Here are his key season stats:

• Games played: 62
• Goals: 4 (including 1 game-winner)
• Assists: 14
• Average time on ice: 11:47 per game
• Penalty minutes: 15

Career-wise, across 83 games, he has four goals and 15 assists, showing consistency in limited roles. His production has ramped up noticeably this year.

Defensively, Winterton excels in his own end, using his frame to win battles along the boards. He has been a staple on the fourth line, providing energy and forechecking pressure.

Recent illness sidelined him for two games, including against Nashville, but he was poised for a return before this leave. 5 Depth forward Jani Nyman has filled in effectively during that stretch.

Recent contract extension signals bright future

Last month, on February 24, the Kraken locked in Winterton with a two-year contract extension, securing him through the 2027-28 season. 6 The deal was announced alongside one for forward Ben Meyers, underscoring Seattle’s commitment to its young core. Read more on the extensions here.

General manager Jason Botterill praised Winterton’s progress in a statement. “He’s been able to carve out a role on this team with his speed and strong two-way game,” Botterill said. “We’re excited to have him under contract through the 2027-28 season.”

This extension comes at a pivotal time, rewarding Winterton’s consistency. It provides roster stability amid Seattle’s playoff chase.

The move reflects broader trends in the NHL, where teams invest in affordable, versatile depth players. Winterton’s extension fits that mold perfectly.

Fans have responded positively, viewing it as a vote of confidence in the forward’s upside. His recent highs justified the commitment.

Impact on the Kraken’s playoff push

Seattle currently trails the Nashville Predators by four points for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, with 13 games remaining and one game in hand. At 31-28-9 for 71 points, the Kraken sit fifth in the Pacific Division, on the playoff bubble. 7

Winterton’s absence tests the team’s depth. Jani Nyman and others will see increased ice time, but his two-way play is hard to replace quickly. Check his full stats on ESPN.

The timing is tough, as every point matters in the tight race. Nashville holds a slight edge, but Seattle’s game in hand keeps hope alive.

Coaches will lean on veterans like Freddy Gaudreau for stability. Recent chemistry experiments have shown promise when healthy.

Off-ice matters take precedence, and the league has a strong track record of supporting players in these situations. The Kraken roster has enough flexibility to manage short-term.

This scenario mirrors other NHL teams navigating absences late in seasons. Depth and adaptability will define Seattle’s stretch run.

Precedents in recent NHL leaves of absence

Player leaves for personal or family reasons have become more visible in the NHL, with teams prioritizing well-being. For instance, St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas recently took a leave for a personal matter, expected back soon after.

Similarly, Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl stepped away briefly for a family illness in Germany, returning the following week without major disruption.

These cases highlight the league’s player assistance programs. Teams rally around individuals, respecting privacy while maintaining operations.

Goaltenders have faced similar spots, like Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark on personal leave. Depth charts are tested, but returns often boost momentum.

Winterton’s situation fits this pattern—no timeline given, focus on support. Fans and media have echoed sentiments of privacy and well-wishes.

The NHL Players’ Association backs these absences, ensuring job security. Precedents show most players reintegrate smoothly.

The Kraken organization deserves credit for its handling, mirroring best practices across the league. Winterton’s return, whenever it happens, could provide a lift.

The hockey world sends its support to Ryan Winterton and his family during this private time. Seattle’s depth should hold the line in the wild-card hunt, but his eventual return adds valuable two-way presence with 13 games left. As Botterill noted, Winterton’s role is secure long-term, positioning him—and the Kraken—for brighter days ahead. Playoff implications hinge on health and execution down the stretch.