Kraken Sign Veteran Forward

Continuing to build out its system of players, the Kraken signed NHL-tested forward John Hayden to a one-year two-way contract at $750,000 average annual value) Friday. The 6-foot-3 played for Buffalo last season and has appeared in 240 NHL games over the last six seasons.
For the Sabres, Hayden notched two goals and two assists in 55 games. But his value as a forward who plays hard in all zones goes deeper in developing a team culture. He plays a physical game, leading Buffalo last year in hits and he ranked fifth in blocked shots during 2021-22.

Hayden broke into the NHL with his hometown Chicago Blackhawks after an illustrious career at Yale University, where he captained the squad as a senior and logged 91 points (50 goals, 41 assists) in 127 games. Selected in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft, Hayden signed with Chicago in March 2017, scoring his first NHL goal in his second NHL game that spring.
Hayden, 27, has been appreciated by players and coaches at all stops for his grit and willingness to stand up for teammates. He played three seasons in Chicago (playing 24 regular-season AHL games and 13 more in the Calder Cup playoffs for Rockford). He was traded to New Jersey for the 2019-20 season, then signed successive one-year deals with Arizona (2020-21) and Buffalo. He has notched 15 goals (three game-winners) and 20 assists in his 240 NHL games.
Hayden played two seasons with the highly respected U.S. National Team Development Program and is a decorated player at the international level, including being part of the 2013 silver medal team at the 2013 U18 World Championships and competing for Team USA at the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.