Seattle Kraken forward Ryan Winterton will take a temporary leave of absence to attend to a family matter, the team announced Monday. Winterton, 22, has been having his best NHL season with career highs in games played (62), goals (four), and assists (14).
The timing creates additional pressure for a Kraken team fighting for playoff positioning. Seattle trails Nashville by four points for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference with 13 games remaining, though the Kraken hold a game in hand on the Predators.
Winterton's absence removes a key depth piece from Seattle's forward group during the most critical stretch of the season. The young forward has carved out a regular role this season after appearing in just 19 games combined over the previous two campaigns.
General manager Jason Botterill recently expressed confidence in Winterton's development when the team signed him to a two-year extension last month. "He's been able to carve out a role on this team with his speed and strong two-way game," Botterill said in a statement at the time. "We're excited to have him under contract through the 2027-28 season."
The Kraken organization provided no timeline for Winterton's return, stating only that no further details would be shared regarding the family matter. This leaves coach Dave Hakstol with lineup decisions to make as Seattle enters the final month of the regular season.
Winterton's breakout season represented a significant step forward for the former Hamilton Bulldogs captain, who was selected by Seattle in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft. His speed and defensive responsibility had made him a reliable option in Seattle's bottom-six forward group.
The leave of absence comes as NHL teams across the league navigate the final push toward the playoffs. For Seattle, every point matters in their attempt to reach the postseason for the second time in franchise history.
Seattle's remaining schedule includes key matchups against direct playoff competitors, making roster depth increasingly important. The team will need other forwards to step up in Winterton's absence as they chase their playoff goals.
The Kraken have not indicated whether they plan to recall a player from their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, to fill Winterton's roster spot during his absence.