Berkly Catton. Photo by Caroline AnneA new provision in the CBA will allow each NHL team to place one 19-year-old CHL player in the AHL per season, starting in 2026-27, according to Frank Seravalli. The new provision will benefit Seattle Kraken's Jake O'Brien, but it comes a year too late for Berkly Catton.
This is now the second rule change that has come too late for Catton. Catton signed his entry-level contract with the Kraken last summer, just a few months before the NCAA and the CHL agreed to allow CHL players to join college programs. What the NCAA doesn't allow is NHL-signed prospects to play college hockey, denying Catton the opportunity to make the switch this season.
Catton recorded 38 goals and 109 points this season, while adding another 11 goals and 42 points in 20 playoff games, proving to be a step ahead of his competition in the CHL. Shane Wright is another Kraken player who nearly suffered the same fate as Catton but was granted permission by the CHL to join the AHL as a 19-year-old. Although O'Brien is a bit more raw as a prospect, he, too, can take a step forward in his development like Catton and Wright did, and become too dominant for the OHL. If that's the case, the Kraken can feel relieved knowing they can allow him to develop in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds the following season.
Jake O'Brien. Photo by Andy GlassThe 18-year-old tallied 32 goals and 98 points in 66 games last season, ranking third in both categories. The 2025-26 season is expected to be different for O'Brien, as the leading point and goal scorer Nick Lardis will be joining the Blackhawks organization. Cole Brown will be joining the University of Notre Dame, and Patrick Thomas is expected to make the jump to professional hockey with the Washington Capitals. O'Brien will take on a larger role with less talent around him, looking to improve his game and add weight to his 6-foot-2 frame.
It's unfortunate news for Catton but a positive wrinkle in O'Brien's development.
