VP Sports & Entertainment presents: WHL Defenceman of the Year Jugnauth signs entry-level deal with NHL’s Kraken

Seattle, Wash.- The Pacific Northwest is calling- again!

Portland Winterhawks defenceman Tyson Jugnauth has put pen to paper on a three-year, two-way, entry-level contract, which is set to take effect in the 2025-26 season.

The deal carries a $950,000 AAV.

“Tyson had a standout season in the WHL this year and elevated his game in the playoffs,” Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill said. “We’re excited to have him under contract and look forward to his continued development with our organization.”

Jugnauth is coming off another standout season that saw him honours as the WHL’s Defenceman of the Year for 2024-25.

The 21-year-old led all WHL defencemen in scoring with 13 goals and 76 assists for 89 points in 65 games.

His offensive dominance isn’t limited to the blueliners, either.

Jugnauth’s 89 points ranked second in scoring on the Winterhawks and 13th among all WHL skaters.

He also clocked in at third in assists, trailing only WHL Player of the Year Gavin McKenna (88) and Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall (84).

The Kelowna, B.C. product’s final season of major junior eligibility was highlighted by a six-assist effort in a 7-2 win against the Vancouver Giants on December 7, 2024.

He’s the second defender since 1996-97 to pull off the feat in a regular-season match.

Jugnauth joined the perennial powerhouse Winterhawks in 2023-24 and closes out his career with 20 goals and 110 assists for 130 points in 106 regular-season contests.

The 5-foot-11, 171-pound rearguard played a prominent role in two impressive playoff runs, helping Portland reach the 2024 WHL Championship Series and battling to the 2025 Western Conference Championship as an underdog squad.

Despite bowing out in the third round, Jugnauth finished fourth in playoff scoring with 33 points (4G-29A) and tied for second in assists, while posting nine multipoint outings.

He was drafted by the Kraken with the 100th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.