Kraken 2024 NHL Entry Draft Summary

Picks

Overall Draft Analysis

Analysis of all picks: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5595355/2024/06/28/kraken-draft-picks-grades-2024/

Pronman overall draft grade: B+ (total draft value) https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5597254/2024/06/29/nhl-draft-2024-team-grades-pronman

Seattle’s first-round pick, Berkly Catton, is a true high-end talent up front and has some star upside for Seattle. Their day two was less exciting for me. I like Julius Miettinen and could see him as a well-rounded top nine forward, potentially down the middle. I could never wrap my head about Nathan Villeneuve as a top-two-round pick, especially after the bounty scandal he got caught up in the OHL this season. Regardless, if they get two regulars from this draft and a play-driving top-line forward it’a successful weekend.

Wheeler overall draft grade: Overtime Winner (draft efficiency) https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5588460/2024/06/29/nhl-draft-2024-winners-losers/

The Kraken have gone to the CHL a ton in their infancy, and that trend continued, as they used their first four picks on CHLers. I thought they should have targeted a defenseman at No. 8, but I still liked the Berkly Catton selection (he ranked No. 8 on my list).

Julius Miettinen, Nathan Villeneuve and Alexis Bernier all have NHL merits. Villeneuve has fourth-liner written all over him, or AHL call-up at minimum, once his game matures. Miettinen is a solid center with some skill who could become a third-liner. Bernier impressed me and others in the second half and into the combine on a Baie Comeau team that played until the final day of the QMJHL season. He’s a pro-sized, athletic defenseman who could become a third-pairing option with continued development.

Though Ollie Josephson finished as an honorable mention, just outside of my top 100, pick No. 105 felt about right for him. He might not have the skill to get there but he’s got some pro tools, habits and work ethic, and he could become a solid AHLer who gives himself a chance to be a fourth-liner.

Clarke Caswell has a long way to go to be an NHLer but he was one of the best players available on my list when they drafted him at No. 141 (he slotted No. 77 on my list). Caswell is one of the better passers in the draft and plays a slippery, crafty game built around his agility and finesse. I want to see him get to the inside more, but he’s interesting.

Jakub Fibigr is a B-minus or C-plus prospect and was one of my honorable mentions, so I even liked that selection in the seventh round. He’s a summer birthday who played a big role for the Mississauga Steelheads, often on their top power play and top pairing. I’m not sure what he’ll be as a pro, but he’s a good junior.

I’m lower on goaltender Kim Saarinen than most, but the third-round pick wasn’t ridiculous, either.

Peters overall draft grade: B+ https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/12687551-nhl-draft-grades-2024-heres-how-all-32-teams-did

Analysis: The Kraken got one of my top five prospects at No. 8 with Berkly Catton, who brings a dynamic element that team sorely lacks. I also thought the pick of Julius Miettinen was a solid one at No. 40. What I do find a little concerning in the earlier days of the Kraken's drafting, however, is the lack of high-end defensemen in their system. I don't blame them for going for their best player available as opposed to one of the higher end defensemen when they drafted Catton, but there is going to have to come a time at some point where the team prioritizes defensemen in their drafting.

Draft Day Trades

To Seattle Kraken:

• 2024 PHI 5th (#141)

To Boston Bruins:

• 2024 FLA 5th (#169)
• 2024 SEA 7th (#201)

Miscellaneous

I added a new "PROSPECTS/DRAFT" post flair to make it easier to find posts about draft picks and prospects. Sample search – https://new.reddit.com/r/SeattleKraken/?f=flair_name%3A%22PROSPECT%2FDRAFT%22

You should also be able to see it on the sidebar using new Reddit under the "filter by flair" section.