Kraken Rule Melanson Out Indefinitely After Aneurysm Diagnosis

Seattle Kraken forward Jacob Melanson is out indefinitely after the team announced his upper-body injury was diagnosed as an anterior mediastinum hematoma with vascular pseudo aneurysm on Saturday. The 23-year-old suffered the injury during Seattle's season opener against the Calgary Flames on October 1.

The Kraken said Melanson will be monitored by the medical staff in Seattle during his recovery process. The team announced the forward will undergo a gradual return process before resuming hockey activities.

"Jacob will continue to be evaluated and monitored closely by the medial staff in Seattle through the healing process for a gradual progression to return to hockey," said the Seattle Kraken in a statement.

According to NHL.com, Melanson recorded one shot on goal in 9:31 of ice time before leaving the opening game. The forward had five points with two goals and three assists in 36 games for Seattle last season.

Before the diagnosis was confirmed, the Kraken had placed Melanson on injured reserve after the season opener, according to Pro Hockey Rumors. The team initially listed the injury as week-to-week while head coach Lane Lambert said his timetable was unclear.

Pacific North Hockey reported that Melanson was injured after a collision sequence involving Calgary during the opener. He delivered three hits before exiting the game and had been Seattle's leader in hits last season with 188 in 36 appearances.

Melanson was selected by Seattle in the fifth round with the No. 131 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, according to NHL.com. He has five points in 38 NHL games over three seasons.

Sports reports also noted the Kraken activated winger Mackie Samoskevich from injured reserve to return to the lineup after his own upper-body issue. Samoskevich had joined Seattle after being acquired from Florida before the draft.