Analysis: Catton, Wright Showing Development for Kraken Early

The Seattle Kraken’s success this season is dependent on Berkly Catton and Shane Wright. If the Kraken, despite their low playoff odds, can make the postseason: it will probably be because Wright and Catton took steps forward. If the Kraken miss the playoffs, but these two youngsters improve, that gives Seattle something to build on for the future.

So far, the 2-1 Kraken have gotten exactly what they needed from Wright and Catton. They started the season with youngster Ryan Winterton, but practiced most of training camp with Kaapo Kakko who rejoined them on the third line yesterday. Regardless the third forward, this third line has been impactful for head coach Lane Lambert.

“They're both using their speed for sure,” Lambert said after yesterday’s 6-1 win over the Calgary Flames. “They seem to be getting into more of a rhythm of reading off each other. It was real nice play they made on Shane’s goal. We just want to keep that going, keep that trend going… Kaapo was good with those kids in training camp.”

Wright, the 2022 fourth-overall pick, took a step back offensively last season with 12 goals and 27 points in 74 games. Catton, eighth-overall in 2024, had a tough rookie season with seven goals and 17 points in 66 games. They both have a goal and assist through three games.

“We both came into this camp a little bit more confident and wanting to contribute to the team a little bit more,” Catton shared after last night’s game. “I think we've done that so far and just got to continue to do that.”

More importantly, they’re earning the trust of their coach. In the season opener against the Vancouver Canucks, Catton and Wright were among the team’s leaders in even strength ice time. Catton went from averaging 12:56 of ice time last season to 15:47 through three games. Wright is up from 13:48 to 15:07.

That’s especially impressive considering neither player factors into the team’s top power play or penalty kill units. That’s a lot of 5-on-5 ice time.

“We need to be a fast line,” Wright said at a recent practice. “I think we're guys that need to be skating, moving our feet, and making it hard on the other team. Pressure them [quickly], not giving them any time and space. Transition fast… and just hound pucks.”

It’s still early, and the Kraken have faced the Flames twice in three games. But, this growth and chemistry from two former top-10 picks is great to see. Last night, this young third line had six high danger scoring chances according to Natural Stat Trick, the most of any Seattle line.

While Catton and Wright held their own against the Edmonton Oilers, they’ll have a bigger test tomorrow. Seattle hosts the reigning Western Conference-champion Vegas Golden Knights. Hopefully, the two can keep up their solid play.

“We had a number of games last year together and we've been together every single practice this year so far,” Wright said. “It's good. Just [need] to continue playing well off each other and [keep the] chemistry building.”