The decision was made. The Kraken gave Hockey Canada the thumbs up for rookie forward Berkly Catton to join the country’s World Juniors roster. Now one has to wonder if that decision has changed.
We’ll find out officially on Monday morning.
Chances are he still goes, with Canada opening its play on December 26th, known fondly by some as Boxing Day, against Czechia in Minneapolis. Team Canada is seeking redemption for last year’s fifth place finish, a rarity for a nation that’s usually in the Gold Medal game, and often winning it.
Catton and his mates lost 4-3 in the quarterfinals to Czechia on January 2nd on home ice.
All that said, the NHL club is desperate: Still shorthanded talent-wise up front, missing veteran forward Jaden Schwartz for another few weeks, and three points out of a playoff spot while on a 0-4-and-1 skid.
Despite his limited ice time and offensive numbers, including the fact he’s still goalless, Catton has taken some decent strides, particularly over the last two weeks. He’s figuring things out. Is this the right time for the Kraken to let him go, try to win Gold, and gain the boost of confidence that comes with it?
Maybe, but what if Canada doesn’t win and you’ve played without your best prospect for two-and-a-half weeks.
It’s a dilemma, following up on their first big one involving the 2024 8th-overall NHL Draft choice; whether to keep him in the NHL and burn the first year of his entry-level deal, which the Kraken did, or let him go back to the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.
Right now he’s an NHLer. In a few days, if things stick, he’s expected to swap a teal sweater for a red and white one.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Blessed With Practice
Of interest from the Canucks: