One of the most skilled and dynamic offensive players in the draft, Berkly Catton could be a target for the New Jersey Devils.
One of the most skilled and dynamic offensive players in the draft, Berkly Catton could be a target for the New Jersey Devils.
Born in Saskatoon, SK on Jan. 14, 2006, Catton is an offensive wizard in transition and possesses the tools to be a top scorer in the NHL. Listed at 5'11, 163 lbs, he will need to put on weight before playing in the NHL but that isn't a major factor.
With the Spokane Chiefs this year, Catton scored 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games, the third-most goals and fourth-most points in the WHL.
His skating and stick handling in transition are his two strongest aspects of his game and it made him virtually unstoppable in the WHL. He uses his speed to force defenders onto their heels and is constantly sliding the puck under his opponent's stick and into their feet to keep them off balance. He's able to create space for himself to be not only a playmaker but a serious shot threat.
The former 2021 WHL first-overall pick uses his supreme edgework to cut inside or take the puck off of the boards. Once doing so he's always looking to either pass it into the slot or get a high danger shot off.
The left-handed shooter is a centreman and despite his small frame, he's extremely effective in the faceoff dot and defensively. He uses his hands to lift and knock the puck off of his opponent's stick. His lightning-fast reflexes allow him to win draws before they begin to get physical.
Catton's skillset and hockey IQ will make him a top-six forward in the NHL. He'll be able to seamlessly transition to the wing if he needs to and could be a future linemate of Jack Hughes of the Devils decided to select him. The two would be constant threats in transition and would be more than a handful to deal with.
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