Kraken Player's Rare Chest Injury Stuns Medical Team

Seattle Kraken player Jacob Melanson is sidelined indefinitely following a diagnosis of an anterior mediastinum hematoma with vascular pseudo-aneurysm. The 23-year-old winger sustained the upper-body injury during an October 1st game. This condition involves blood pooling in the chest and a punctured blood vessel that is leaking. A pseudo-aneurysm carries a significant risk of bursting and causing internal bleeding.

Medical professionals are monitoring Melanson closely, with treatment options ranging from non-invasive blood pressure monitoring and CT scans to potential open-chest surgery. The specific artery affected, whether a smaller internal mammary artery or the critical aorta, will significantly impact his recovery timeline. Recovery for vascular injuries can take between four to twelve weeks.

Melanson, drafted by the Kraken in 2021, has played in 36 games over the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. The Amherst, Nova Scotia native has recorded two goals and three assists in his career with the team, which currently holds a 3-2-0 record this season.