Kraken’s Jacob Melanson Out For Extended Period

Seattle Kraken forward Jacob Melanson will be sidelined for an extended period after being diagnosed with an anterior mediastinum hematoma with a vascular pseudoaneurysm. The condition involves a collection of blood behind his chest cavity, which could become life-threatening if ruptured during physical play. Melanson had already been placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury before the diagnosis.

While the injury is not expected to be career-ending, the Kraken confirmed that Melanson faces an unknown recovery timeline with a gradual progression back to hockey. The former fifth-round pick recently signed a three-year, $4.35 million contract extension with Seattle after recording five points and leading the team with 188 hits across 36 games in his rookie campaign.