"We're excited to add an experienced veteran like Riley to our organization," said Seattle Kraken General Manager Ron Francis. "His versatility, strong penalty-killing ability and skill in the faceoff circle make him a valuable addition to our forward group."
Sheahan is a respected NHL veteran who has played seven-plus seasons for five teams, most recently donning the jersey of the Buffalo Sabres. His career line: 566 games, 70 goals, 107 assists.
He was drafted by Detroit in the first round (21st overall) as an 18-year-old coming off a strong year for NCAA Division I Notre Dame. He played two more stellar seasons at Notre Dame, signing with the Red Wings and playing in two NHL games while developing at AHL affiliate Grand Rapids, helping the Griffins to win the 2013 Calder Cup, the American Hockey League's version of the Stanley Cup.
After four seasons with Detroit-he scored the last goal in the history of the Red Wings' old Joe Louis Arena-Sheahan was traded to Pittsburgh eight games into the 2018-19 season. He scored 11 goals and added 21 assists for the Penguins in 73 games.
Sheahan was on the move again during the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline when he was traded to Florida in an exchange that brought now-Kraken teammate and fellow forward Jared McCann to Pittsburgh. After a half-season with Florida, Sheahan signed consecutive one-year free agent contracts, first Edmonton (he led the Oilers in penalty-kill minutes that year) for the 2019-20 season, then Buffalo.
By all accounts, Sheahan is well-liked and admired for his professional manner on and off the ice. Some hockey fans know him as a podcaster who started the
"Speak Your Mind"
title on TorchPro, a company started by NHL veteran and Dallas forward Joe Pavelski. Sheahan's podcast focuses on mental health by inviting pro athletes and musicians to discuss the health topic.
"I hope 'Speak Your Mind' will initiate conversations with individuals to discuss their inner battles with mental health and create a space for normalizing these types of open interactions," says Sheahan on the TorchPro website. "It doesn't matter who you are, challenging times are inevitable. It's important to equip yourself with the proper tools to fight those hard times.
