Kraken’s Jacob Melanson out indefinitely following vascular aneurysm

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Kraken’s Jacob Melanson out indefinitely following vascular aneurysm

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Mike Gould | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 6:37 PM ET

The Seattle Kraken announced Saturday that forward Jacob Melanson is out indefinitely as a result of an unusual injury he sustained during the club’s season opener against the Calgary Flames on Oct. 1.

Melanson, 23, suffered an upper-body injury against the Flames, which, upon further examination, was “diagnosed as an anterior mediastinum hematoma with vascular pseudo aneurysm,” via an official media release from the Kraken on Saturday.

In 9:31 of ice time against the Flames, Melanson recorded one shot on goal and took two minutes in penalties. After exiting the game midway through the third period, the 6’0″ right wing was assessed by medical teams in Alberta and diagnosed with the aneurysm.

“Given his unique injury, Jacob will continue to be evaluated and monitored closely by the medical staff in Seattle through the healing process for a gradual progression to return to hockey,” the Kraken said in their statement.

An update on #SeaKraken forward Jacob Melanson: pic.twitter.com/mUJOCdGs3o
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 10, 2026

A fifth-round pick (No. 131 overall) of the Kraken in the 2021 NHL Draft (their first as an NHL franchise), Melanson played his junior career with the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, and Sherbrooke Phoenix before turning pro with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2023.

Melanson made his NHL debut with the Kraken in the 2024-25 regular season and split the following campaign nearly evenly between Seattle and Coachella Valley, recording his first two goals and five points in the NHL across 36 games with the Kraken in 2025-26.

A product of Halifax, Melanson has appeared in 132 AHL games over parts of three seasons with Coachella Valley, collecting 23 goals and 50 points; he’s added four goals and 14 points in 36 Calder Cup Playoff contests. In 38 games with Seattle, he’s recorded five points.

With Melanson now sidelined indefinitely, the Kraken will return to action when they pay the Washington Capitals a visit on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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