The Kraken have signed middle Berkly Catton to his three-year, entry-level contract, a team announcement states. Catton was the eighth general choice within the draft one week in the past. His deal carries the utmost ELC cap hit of $975K.
He’s the second participant from the category to signal his rookie deal, joining Blues defenseman Adam Jiříček, who they took sixteenth general. Whereas it’s unlikely Catton will crack the NHL roster within the fall, signing him to his ELC now at the very least affords him the choice. Catton additionally earns a $97.5K signing bonus with Friday’s information, per PuckPedia. The deal can also be damaged down into $877.5K of base wage yearly and as much as $1M in Schedule “A” efficiency bonuses on a yearly foundation.
Catton is already used to Washington State, suiting up for the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League for elements of the final three seasons. The 5-foot-11, 174-pound pivot led all WHL draft-eligibles in scoring final season, ending fourth within the league with 116 factors (54 targets, 62 assists) in 68 video games. He’s one of many 2024 class’ quickest gamers and is an especially well-rounded offensive expertise, though there are some pure considerations about his lack of physicality and energy in opposition to bigger opponents.
Since his twentieth birthday doesn’t fall till January 2026, Catton gained’t be eligible for a full-time AHL task in 2024-25 or 2025-26 — he must be returned to his junior group. If he performs fewer than 10 NHL video games in every of these seasons, his contract may slide to as late as 2026-27 earlier than kicking in. His signing bonuses are paid out regardless, although, barely decreasing the cap hit of his deal.