The first round of the 2024 NHL Draft happened on Friday night where the Seattle Kraken had the eighth pick in the first round. Seattle picked Berkly Catton, a forward from the Spokane Chiefs.
Berkly Catton is an 18-year-old a left-shooting center born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on January 14, 2006. Catton has spent the past two seasons playing for the Spokane Chiefs, much like Kailer Yamamoto of the Seattle Kraken.
In the 2023-24 season, Berkly Catton had an impressive 116 points (54 goals and 62 assists) over 68 games. Catton has played for the chiefs for the past two seasons playing a total of 140 games with 175 total points over both seasons.
Catton has been described as a “dynamic puck-rushing forward with the handling skill, manipulation, and pace to slice through opponents, drive the net, and open passing lanes” by Elite Prospects. The main concern with Catton is that his skill may not translate well to the NHL. The Kraken are currently working to develop further at various levels, though, and he certainly fits into a role that the Kraken are needing in the upcoming season.
Catton is incredibly manipulative and a very skilled player. He is able to make openings and create space for himself with different series of look-offs and fakes as he connects with perfectly weighted passes. His offensive plays and dynamic ability is something that Seattle needs more of in the organization as they continue to grow the prospect pool.
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