The Seattle Kraken, led by General Manager Ron Francis, wasted no time signing their 1st-round, 8th-overall 2024 NHL Draft pick, Berkly Catton. Just one week after being selected, Catton, a center from the Spokane Chiefs, signed a three-year entry-level contract worth $975,000 annually. Although he will be sent back to the Western Hockey League to develop further, he might surprise everyone at Seattle's September training camp.
Additionally, the Kraken signed Finnish goaltender Kim Saarinen, their 3rd-round, 88th-overall pick, to an entry-level deal worth $872,500 per season. Saarinen, who turns 18 soon, will play professionally in Finland next season.
Last year's 1st-round pick, Czech winger Eduard Sale, signed two weeks after the draft and played in the Ontario Hockey League, earning 38 points in 49 games with the Barrie Colts and Kitchener Rangers.
