Kraken Draft Pick Celebrates Contract by Tossing Fake Fish

Despite a stellar career in the Central Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League, I was never close to signing an NHL contract. However, top prospect and first-round pick Berkly Catton probably has thought about it, but he likely didn't imagine celebrating by throwing a fake fish into the crowd. Welcome to the Seattle Kraken way.

Seattle selected Catton with the No. 8 pick in this year's draft from the WHL's Spokane Chiefs. This week, during the Kraken's development camp, GM and Hockey Hall of Famer Ron Francis joined Catton on the ice to sign his entry-level NHL contract. They celebrated in true Seattle fashion.

That's right, while Nashville Predators fans throw catfish onto the ice, Kraken players toss fake salmon into the crowd. It's usually done after being named one of the stars of the game, but apparently, it's fitting for signing an ELC too.

Hockey is the best.

It's awesome that despite heading into their fourth NHL season, the Kraken have developed their own traditions. It's even cooler to see new players embracing these traditions right from the start.

Seattle had a down year in 2023-24 after making the postseason the year before. This offseason, they fired their first coach in franchise history, Dave Hakstol, and replaced him with Dan Bylsma. Bylsma led Seattle's farm team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, to Calder Cup Final appearances in both of the team's first two seasons.

They've also added Coachella Valley assistant Jessica Campbell and longtime NHL assistant Bob Woods to the mix, which should help develop young talent like Berkly Catton.

Don't be shocked to see a better Seattle Kraken team hit the ice this October.