Draft Rewind: Jacob Melanson

For Amherst native Jacob Melanson, the dream of playing in the National Hockey League began close to home. Before becoming an NHL draft pick and making his debut with the Seattle Kraken organization, Melanson’s hockey journey included an important stop with his hometown Amherst Ramblers.

Born and raised in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Melanson developed through the local hockey system before joining the Weeks Majors U18 program. During the 2018-19 season, he also appeared with the Amherst Ramblers as an affiliate player, gaining valuable experience at the Junior A level while helping the club during its run as host of the Fred Page Cup. Though his time in a Ramblers uniform was brief, Melanson made an immediate impact, recording one goal and two assists in his lone regular-season game while also appearing in three playoff contests. His experience with the organization provided an early glimpse of the talent that would soon emerge on a much larger stage.

Following his time in Amherst, Melanson was selected 15th overall by the Quebec Remparts in the 2019 QMJHL Draft. He spent portions of four seasons in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League with the Remparts, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, and the Sherbrooke Phoenix. Over 170 career QMJHL games, Melanson established himself as one of the league’s premier power forwards, recording 96 goals and 88 assists for 184 points. His breakout 2022-23 season saw him score 50 goals and 99 points, cementing his status as one of the top offensive players in major junior hockey.

His strong junior career caught the attention of NHL scouts, and in 2021 he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the fifth round, 131st overall, of the NHL Entry Draft. One year later, Seattle signed Melanson to a three-year entry-level contract, officially beginning his professional career.

Melanson began his professional journey with the Kraken’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Known for his physical style of play, strong forechecking ability, and scoring touch, he quickly adapted to the professional game. Despite battling injuries early in his pro career, he continued to develop into a reliable power forward capable of contributing offensively while playing a hard-nosed style.

In March 2025, Melanson achieved a lifelong dream when he was recalled by Seattle and made his NHL debut against the Nashville Predators. The Amherst native logged nearly ten minutes of ice time and recorded four hits in his first NHL appearance, becoming another Amherst Ramblers alumnus to reach hockey’s highest level.

Today, Melanson continues to establish himself within the Seattle organization. His journey from Amherst minor hockey, to a brief but memorable stint with the Ramblers, through the QMJHL, and ultimately to the NHL serves as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the strength of hockey development in Atlantic Canada.

For the Amherst Ramblers and the local hockey community, Jacob Melanson represents a hometown success story—one that continues to inspire the next generation of players chasing their own hockey dreams.