The Kraken aren’t hiding the plan with Berkly Catton. The long-term vision points straight through the middle, and that could shape how Seattle views its center depth going forward.
If Shane Wright is moved out, the group down the middle would include Matty Beniers, Chandler Stephenson, Catton and Freddie Gaudreau, with Jared McCann able to slide over if needed. Bobby McMann also spent his developing years at center, though Seattle seems to like what he brings on the wing.
Catton stands out in that mix because of the upside. He may not be a finished product, and he’s not being labeled a true first-line center yet, but the organization clearly sees more there than just a versatile young forward.
Jason Botterill said it plainly in April: “Long term, yes, we see him as a centerman,” Botterill told us back in April. “We see him in the middle, the ability to be creative, to have the puck on his stick a little bit more, creating things with his speed through the middle, that’s where we hope to see it longer term.”
Catton got some time at center late last season, and he also had a built-in support system during his rookie year. He lived with Stephenson and his family, something Botterill said mattered for a 19-year-old adjusting to the league.
“You’re always concerned about a 19-year-old in the National Hockey League,” Botterill said. “The fact that our veteran players, including Chandler, took care and made it at ease outside of the game of hockey, allowed him to be comfortable with our group.”
The rookie season wasn’t exactly gentle. Botterill said Catton got “bounced around” early in the year against heavier teams such as the Flyers and the Capitals.
Catton remembered those lessons well. “I feel like every five games there was something like, wow,” Catton said at the end of his rookie campaign.
“Getting hit by Tom Wilson (Capitals forward) was one for sure. That hurts.”
That’s part of why his summer focus is pretty straightforward: get stronger, keep building his conditioning and keep sharpening his shot.
“The generic things, strength, that’s always a big one. In the corner with big, 6-foot-4 NHL defenseman is just a different story.”
Catton also sounds comfortable with where he’s headed. He said playing center has always felt natural, and he sees value in being able to handle both positions.
“Playing center my whole life, going back to the tricks, I definitely understand that position more, and having the puck in the middle of the ice is one of my strong suits,” he said. “That’s probably where I’m most comfortable. Learning to play the wing this year was another challenge … being a player that you can play at center or throw on the wing is a good attribute to have.”
The numbers from his rookie year were modest: seven goals and 10 assists in 66 games in 2025-’26. It took him 28 games to score his first NHL goal, but once he broke through, he had a burst on January 6th at home against the Boston Bruins, scoring twice against Jeremy Swayman.
Catton still has two years left on his entry-level deal, which pays him a little short of a million bucks per season.
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Why This Kraken Signing Could Change Seattles Identity
Curtis Douglas arrived on the first day of free agency as a different kind of addition for Seattle, a two-year, $2.5 million bet on size, edge and a player who has already shown he can bring a physical presence at the NHL level. The 6-foot-9 center has bounced between the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning organizations, and his track record includes a reputation for playing with an enforcers mindset.
For Kraken GM Jason Botterill, the appeal went beyond the obvious frame and penalty minutes. Botterill pointed to familiarity with Douglas and his work ethic, with people on staff already knowing what he brings, a connection that matters in a front office now shaped in part by former Canucks management. In Seattle, the hope is that Douglas gives the roster a little more snarl and a player willing to stand up for teammates when the temperature rises. [Read more 🡒]