Berkly Catton, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, is coming on strong, and he’s not the only Seattle prospect who’s turning heads this season. Berkly Catton Interview Prior to First NHL Game With Seattle Kraken Sept.2024 By Krishna Bhagnathsingh While the Seattle Kraken traded away seasoned veterans Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/latest-news/gourde-records-an-assist-and-returns-to-the-krakens-lineup-against-the-wild] ahead of the NHL deadline, there’s help on the way in the franchise’s prospect pipeline. Here’s a look at how Seattle’s 2024 draft class is faring this season. Berkly Catton, C, Spokane (WHL) Berkly Catton photo by Caroline Anne | WHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8b71762a-e16c-46b3-b320-3c9609ce69cc.webp] Berkly Catton photo by Caroline Anne | WHL 2024 NHL draft: 8th overall Catton is tearing it up for the Spokane Chiefs, averaging more than two points per game. He’s already surpassed 100 points on the season and ranks third overall in WHL scoring – although he’s just second on the Chiefs, behind Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall. Catton’s ability to dangle a defender and his lightning-fast shot will one day provide the Kraken with a much-needed sniper. Look for Catton to make a push for full-time NHL duty by the 2026-27 season, at which time he could claim a spot in the top six. Julius Miettinen, C, Everett (WHL) Julius Miettinen photo by Caroline Anne | Everett Silvertips [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bd1b2fa9-5e27-4180-9ba5-e9d003ce0437.webp] Julius Miettinen photo by Caroline Anne | Everett Silvertips 2024 NHL draft: 40th overall The 6-foot-3, 207-pound Miettinen uses his frame to drive to the net, whether it’s with the puck on his stick or fishing for a rebound, and he’s an effective net-front presence. Miettinen applies great forechecking pressure, and he’s adept at forcing turnovers in the opponent’s zone. Plus, his ability to play deep both in the defensive end and the offensive end of the ice shouldn’t be overlooked. Overall, the Kraken can expect a reliable two-way center in the coming years. Nathan Villeneuve, C, Sudbury (OHL) 2024 NHL draft: 63rd overall Villeneuve is having a career offensive year in Sudbury, ranking in the top five in goals, assists and points for the Wolves. What stands out about Villeneuve is his performances on both the power play and the penalty kill. He’s second on the Wolves in power-play goals with 10 while also leading the team with four shorthanded goals. Villeneuve also brings speed to the table. Whether it’s along the boards or cutting through the neutral zone, he’s a speedster who can easily get to the net. He brings something valuable to the Kraken’s future by being a speedy playmaker and scorer. Alexis Bernier, D, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) Alexis Bernier photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cf55e299-d3f3-4195-bdf9-1404a47a2e2b.webp] Alexis Bernier photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News 2024 NHL draft: 73rd overall Bernier sits in the top 10 in points among QMJHL defensemen, and in January he tied the Drakkar franchise record for most goals in a month by a defender (five). Bernier isn’t afraid to grip it and rip it in the slot when he gets a chance. He also doesn't shy away from physicality, as a push and shove could benefit both him and the team. The 18-year-old has much more development ahead of him, whether it’s with Baie-Comeau next season or perhaps with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds if the Kraken sign him to an entry-level deal. Kim Saarinen, G, HPK (Fin.) Kim Saarinen photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/59bd0d3b-0353-42cf-82de-b249eeb22ede.webp] Kim Saarinen photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News 2024 NHL draft: 88th overall Saarinen’s .911 save percentage and three shutouts rank among the league leaders in Finland’s top hockey circuit. He’s active in the blue paint and can easily maneuver from post to post. Still, goalies take a while to crack the NHL and Saarinen has a long way to go. He could remain with HPK for a few more seasons before the Kraken decide to bring him over. Seattle still has Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord under contract for the next few years, so there’s time for Saarinen to continue his development. Oliver Josephson, C, Red Deer (WHL) Oliver Josephson (white jersey) photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1e248a06-7e17-4ed7-817e-4bc1967647b1.webp] Oliver Josephson (white jersey) photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News 2024 NHL draft: 105th overall Josephson has 28 points in 41 games, which is good enough for third-most on a struggling Rebels team this season. Beyond scoring, he leads Red Deer in faceoffs won (485) and faceoff percentage (57.6). Josephson has shown the ability to get into the scoring areas and put the puck in the net. He also shines when it comes to puck control and playmaking, as he’s tied for second on Red Deer in assists (18). Given that he’s only 18 years old, another season or two in junior would serve him well in terms of further development before he moves on to the next level. Clarke Caswell, LW, Swift Current (WHL) Clark Caswell Photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8cb848c6-d1c4-4dc9-8317-723784ad91fe.webp] Clark Caswell Photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News 2024 NHL draft: 141st overall Caswell’s 81 points are second-most on Swift Current and put him in the top 20 in the WHL. His sweet spot on the ice seems to be the slot area or right next to the blue paint, where he can whack in a rebound, bury a one-timer or attempt a deflection. Caswell also has a knack for helping out on special teams as he ranks in the top 10 in the WHL in power-play assists. Overall, the Kraken have a player who has a note for the net, whether it’s battling for rebounds or fighting for space in the slot. Jakub Fibigr, D, Brampton (OHL) Jakub Fibigr (left) photo by Bob Frid-Imagn Images. [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/dd5ed9c7-5447-4b4f-a213-192b22bc48dc.webp] Jakub Fibigr (left) photo by Bob Frid-Imagn Images. 2024 NHL draft: 202nd overall Compared to last season, Fibigr is having a bit of a down year. In 2023-24, he ranked second in points among Steelheads defensemen with 43 in 61 games. This year, he has 27 points in 51 games. He was tied for the most points on Czechia at the 2025 world juniors with five points in seven games. Fibigr can track the puck well, but he has some issues with puck control at times, both in his own zone and the neutral zone. On the plus side, he’s a strong skater. Overall, Fibigr will no doubt need more development to make the NHL, but he has upside as a depth defenseman. Related Kraken Prospects Face-off In Friday Night Battle in Everett. [https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/MjEwOTIwODU5NTk3MDIzMjA5/miettinen-catton-face-off.jpg] Kraken Prospects Face-off In Friday Night Battle in Everett. Chiefs' Berkly Catton Wins Shootout Over Julius Miettinen's Silvertips, 4-3. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/kraken-prospects-face-off-in-friday-night-battle-in-everett] About the Author: Krishna Bhagnathsingh is a final-year student in the Journalism, Advanced Diploma program at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto. Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwrODfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] or Join the discussion with others in your hockey community on the Seattle Kraken Forum [https://rtb.thehockeynews.com/seattle-kraken/posts].
