A look at which six U.S. Division players could be their team MVPs this season.
The U.S. Division is stacked with plenty of talent on all five teams. While there has been some shuffling as players departed the WHL for the pros, there are still quite a few game-breakers who should be able to dominate in 2024-25. With this in mind, here is an early projection of who will be each U.S. Division's team MVP by the end of the season.
Everett Silvertips- Julius Miettinen
Big things are expected for Julius Miettinen in his second WHL season. Drafted 40th by the Seattle Kraken, Miettinen is projected to play on the Everett Silvertips top line while also being a key part of their power play. If he can continue to develop at the rate he did last season, Everett could be looking at yet another U.S. Division title by the end of the year.
Portland Winterhawks- Diego Buttazzoni
On a stacked Portland Winterhawks last season, one player who didn't get a ton of recognition was Diego Buttazzoni. The 18-year-old had 55 points in 67 games and should be given a more prominent role in 2024-25. With key departures expected throughout the Winterhawks lineup, Buttazzoni will need to be an offensive contributor every night for Portland to be successful.
Seattle Thunderbirds- Sawyer Mynio
Returning to the Seattle Thunderbirds for his fourth season, Sawyer Mynio is a player that should lead by example both on and off the ice. The Vancouver Canucks defenceman recorded 53 points in 63 games last season and is projected to be one of the WHL's top-scoring defenders this year. While the Thunderbirds are expected to be a young team, they have plenty of talented players like Mynio, who should have no problem putting the puck into the net.
Spokane Chiefs- Berkly Catton
One of the early picks for league MVP will be Berkly Catton. Drafted eighth overall by the Kraken, Catton is looking to build off his 116-point season while guiding the Spokane Chiefs back to the postseason. Catton has developed into one of the players in the CHL and should also be Team Canada's World Junior team this coming December.
Tri-City Americans- Jordan Gavin
Jordan Gavin continues to show why he is a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. He is coming off a season where he recorded 68 points in 68 games and recently won Gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. A talented playmaker who has produced plenty of highlight reel moments, Gavin has the potential to be the first 80-point player for Tri-City since Parker AuCoin in 2018-19.
Wenatchee Wild- Miles Cooper
Miles Cooper will be a name to watch this season. After a successful rookie campaign, Cooper is projected to be one of the points leaders for the Wenatchee Wild in 2024-25. If Cooper can continue to produce and surpass the point-per-game threshold, it will go a long way in ensuring the Wild clinch a playoff spot for the second consecutive year.
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