Assessing the Kraken's 2024 NHL Draft Class

Kraken Prospect Pool Before the Draft

Post-2023-24 season, Sound Of Hockey ranked the Kraken's top 10 prospects. Notably, only two were defensemen. Ryker Evans, likely to be a regular in the 2024-25 season, and Ville Ottavainen are key defensive prospects. Other intriguing prospects include Caden Price and Lukas Dragicevic, with Ty Nelson set to prove himself in the AHL. The forward group shows more impact potential due to a higher investment in drafting forwards compared to defensemen. This led to speculation that the Kraken might focus on defense in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Kraken's 2024 NHL Draft Class

Seattle started the draft with nine picks but traded two late-rounders to Florida, ending with eight selections. The team focused on forwards, drafting five, with three or four potentially playing center, and two defensemen, one picked in the third round. They also continued their practice of drafting a goalie annually.

Experts' Take on Kraken's Draft

Draft analysts graded Seattle's draft positively but not among the top classes. Chris Peters of Flo Hockey gave a B+ grade, noting a lack of high-end defensemen. Other notable grades included:
- Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff: A-
- Corey Pronman, The Athletic: B+
- Rachel Doerrie, ESPN: B+
- Mitchell Brown & David St-Louis, Elite Prospects: A

Draft Strategy Analysis

The Kraken drafted six top-100 players on the Sound Of Hockey Big Board and five in the top-100 data ranking. Despite a strong overall draft, there was disappointment in the lack of defensive investments. The team passed on several high-scoring defensemen in favor of Berkly Catton, a highly productive forward. This choice suggests Seattle prioritized offense and possibly saw more potential in local talent.

**Kraken Draft Picks by the Numbers**

Seattle selected the youngest class in the league, with an average age of 18 years and two months. The class was also relatively small in stature, averaging just over 6-foot-0 in height and 182 pounds in weight. Seattle focused heavily on Canadian junior hockey players, with seven picks from the CHL, the most in the league.

**Scouting the Kraken Draft Picks**

- **Round 1 Pick 8: Berkly Catton, F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)**
- **Height:** 5'10.25» | **Weight:** 163 | **Shot:** Left
- **Stats:** 68 GP, 54 G, 62 A, 1.71 PPG
- **Scouting Report:** Catton is a dynamic offensive playmaker with elite skating, vision, and confidence. He excels on the rush and is expected to significantly enhance the Kraken power play within three years.