Seattle Kraken vs. Dallas Stars
In a tightly contested matchup on the road, the Seattle Kraken faced off against the Dallas Stars, ultimately falling short with a score of 2-1. However, the intriguing highlight of the evening was the performance of Berkly Catton, a promising 19-year-old forward who skated in his 10th NHL game. This milestone officially marks the commencement of the first year of his entry-level contract (ELC).
Berkly Catton’s Performance
During his debut stint in the league, Catton has displayed his budding talent by recording three assists, sending 10 shots on goal towards opposing nets, and demonstrating impressive faceoff skills with a victory rate of 60 percent. Averaging just over 12 minutes of ice time per game, Catton has held positions as both the center of the fourth line and the left wing of the top line. His adaptability has been noteworthy, showcasing his adept puck handling and skating skills consistently throughout these games.
Team Impact and Analytics
According to analytics from Natural Stat Trick, the overall performance of the Kraken while Catton is on the ice is showing positive trends. The team has outscored its opponents by a margin of 4-2 during his time on the ice. Additionally, he has significantly contributed to the Kraken’s standings in key statistical categories, with his expected goals share ranking eighth and scoring chances ranking fourth in the league.
While Catton has yet to replicate the prolific scoring rates he achieved with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL, he is making substantial progress in adapting his play to meet the demands of the NHL game, learning the significance of two-way play under Coach Lane Lambert‘s direction.
Future Prospects
It’s important to note that while Catton’s first ELC year has technically been used up, the Kraken still hold the option to send him back to the WHL, although such a move seems unlikely given the organization’s vested interest in his development at the NHL level. The Kraken’s options going forward remain varied; they could utilize him as a consistent member of the NHL roster, or alternatively, they might consider allowing him to participate with Team Canada in the World Junior Championships. In this scenario, he would likely take on a prominent role as a top-line center, which could enhance his ice time and confidence against junior-aged competition.
As the organization evaluates its decisions regarding Catton, it’s clear that he is making a significant impression in Seattle, further underscoring the Kraken’s belief in his potential and the caliber of his play thus far.
