Strong start to the weekend for Ron Francis and the Seattle Kraken as they select left shot centre Berkley Catton from the Spokane Chiefs. Catton led the Chiefs in points this season with 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games.

The 5'11 175lb centre has been a riser in this draft and continued to improve as the season progressed. Many called him the best player at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. He has been described as a complete player with the hands, shot, and defensive awareness to compete at all areas of the ice. A natural centre more than a winger, it is his ability to carry and move the puck from defense to offense which makes him such a threat at all times.

The biggest knock against him like many young players is size but as the NHL continues to transition to a speed and transition game, players like Catton will be a huge asset and fit in perfectly.

The Kraken have a few great centre prospects but as always, you don't know how these players are going to fully turn out. Bringing Catton into the mix is a great piece of work by the Kraken organization. I can see this kid leading a powerplay unit within the next three years.

What did you think about the pick?

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