Prospect Info: Berkly Catton - Forward(Round 1, Pick #8, 2024 Draft)

[Fistfullofbeer]

That would be fine with me. Not sure if NCAA would be best- I'd almost rather just keep him in the NHL. He shouldn't be playing every game but IMO he should hit between 20-40 games and then split the rest of the time training/on the bench. Give him a taste of what he needs to work on and let him experience some of the rigors of an NHL schedule and then send him to the AHL to work on that and give him back some confidence before we call him up full time.

If he dominates Development camp, he should certainly get his 9 games to see where he stands. I am not opposed to burning an ELC year if that means it helps his development. I just don't see how the CHL helps with that part.

 

[luapejrug]

There will be people absolutely howling if Catton isn't playing on a given night, but yeah this kid knows how to play hockey. He needs strength, mostly gym time. 40 games a year might be better for him - quicker to fill out. Whether that 40 is in NCAA or an NHL/AHL combo, I think either might work.

Heads up he signed his entry-level contract already which makes him ineligible for the NCAA.

 

[majormajor]

Heads up he signed his entry-level contract already which makes him ineligible for the NCAA.

Oh you're right - I forgot about that detail, lol.

It's so common now that first rounders automatically get their ELC signed right after being drafted. Only Lindstrom, because of his injury, didn't get signed, so now the Jackets have the option of sending him to the NCAA. I think in the future we'll see some more teams keeping their options open for the D+2 year, because of the NCAA possibility.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Oh you're right - I forgot about that detail, lol.

It's so common now that first rounders automatically get their ELC signed right after being drafted. Only Lindstrom, because of his injury, didn't get signed, so now the Jackets have the option of sending him to the NCAA. I think in the future we'll see some more teams keeping their options open for the D+2 year, because of the NCAA possibility.

I had forgotten about that as well. The NHL plus AHL conditioning stints are what might be best for him.