Head Coach "Concerned" With Injury Sustained By Young Kraken Defenseman

HC Dan Bylsma said he is concerned with the injury Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans sustained during Saturday's game against the San Jose Sharks.

The 22-year-old defenseman wasn't a full participant at practice today, and his availability for tomorrow's game against the Carolina Hurricanes is in question.

Evans blocked a shot with his hand in the third period of the Kraken's 4-2 defeat to the Sharks. Despite the injury, Evans recorded an assist in 20:17 of TOI.

The Calgary, AB native has been instrumental to the Kraken's season so far. He's currently tied with Brandon Montour for the team lead in points by a defenseman and the pair of the defenders sit second among all Kraken players in points. Evans stepped up during Vince Dunn's absence, filling in the missing offensive void and eating minutes on the backend, averaging nearly 21:00 a night.

"I would say concerned," said Bylsma. "Yes, the fact that he didn't practice out there was evidence of a concern. He got injured in the game and did play the rest of the game. It's got lingering effects so we'll see how it goes for him."

The Kraken are hoping Evans is available tomorrow against a Hurricanes team that plays a fast pace and leaves their opponents with little time to make decisions. Evans' ability to skate and move the puck will be missed if he's unable to play. At the moment, the Kraken don't know how long Evans could miss but will be hoping for it to be at worst, day-to-day.

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