BREAKING NEWS: WHL Star Top Canadiens Draft Target This Summer

The Montreal Canadiens are searching for top-tier talent and goal-scoring prowess within their ranks, and Berkly Catton emerges as a prime candidate from the pool of prospects available in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Despite early season predictions placing the Canadiens in the bottom five, Catton’s standout performances in events like the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, coupled with his impressive contributions to the Spokane Chiefs, have firmly placed him within Montreal’s draft considerations.

At just 18 years old, Catton showcased his dominance in the WHL while displaying an elite offensive skill set, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in this year’s draft class. With his remarkable abilities, Catton could potentially bolster Montreal’s youthful and dynamic core, a prospect closely monitored by general manager Kent Hughes and his team throughout the season.

In an interview with MHN, Catton reflects on his growth throughout the season and shares his aspirations leading up to the draft on June 28th.

Always Working On Getting Better

Berkly Catton’s on-ice presence has been described by key figures in the scouting realm as dynamic, electric, and thrilling. Like Zach Benson, Matthew Savoie, and Seth Jarvis before him, Catton emerges as another highly skilled and energetic talent from the WHL, striving to carve his path to the NHL.

Berkly Catton rush offence:

Placing pucks under sticks and inside feet, backhand skill, manipulating defenders' feet, and cutting inside behind defenders' heels.#2024NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/jvz1LfsIMo

— Mitchell Brown (@MitchLBrown) April 24, 2024

Catton himself characterizes his style as that of a play initiator, emphasizing his knack for driving plays. He highlights his proficiency in rush offense, expressing confidence in either setting up a teammate or taking on the goalie when carrying the puck into the offensive zone.

Despite an impressive debut season in the WHL at the age of 16, where he amassed 55 points, Catton’s relentless pursuit of improvement led him to intensify his training regimen during the subsequent summer. This dedication bore fruit as he substantially boosted his offensive output in the following season, more than doubling his goal tally to 54 while also amassing 62 assists, placing him fourth in the WHL’s scoring leaderboard.

Catton attributes his significant improvement in goal-scoring to meticulous shooting practice and collaboration with goaltending coaches. By analyzing goaltenders’ weaknesses and adjusting his shooting technique accordingly, he honed his ability to find gaps in their coverage, enhancing his scoring prowess.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Catton undertook the challenge of refining his defensive game, particularly daunting given his substantial ice time. Recognizing this as an area of improvement highlighted by scouts, he committed to studying opponents’ tendencies before games, particularly focusing on elite players like Conor Geekie. By familiarizing himself with their strategies and learning to anticipate their moves, Catton elevated his defensive play, demonstrating his adaptability and dedication to all aspects of his game.

Small But Sturdy

Much has been discussed about Catton’s physical stature, standing tall at 5-foot-11 and weighing 163 pounds, seen as a major concern in his standout draft profile. There were worries that the agile forward might not endure the physical demands of NHL play.

Berkly Catton (#2024NHLDraft) sits fourth in WHL scoring after yet another productive month in February:

• 13 games
• 11 goals
• 9 assists, all primary
• 46 shots on goal
• 53 CF%

Highlights: pic.twitter.com/fVg39HMIJZ

— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) March 3, 2024

Nevertheless, Catton defied expectations, appearing in all 68 games for Spokane this season, along with their four playoff matches, often logging over 30 minutes per game. To put this into perspective, the typical ice time for a top junior forward is around 21-23 minutes, highlighting the significance of Catton’s contribution.

Regrettably, Catton suffered a minor lower-body injury in the playoffs’ second game, halting his chance to represent Canada at the U-18 World Championships.

Despite this setback, Catton aims to undergo a rigorous summer training regimen starting in early May, determined to demonstrate he can reach the necessary physical condition for higher levels of play.

“My aim is to prepare this summer to earn a spot in the NHL,” Catton expressed regarding his offseason plans. “Currently, I’m in the rehabilitation phase, but once I’m cleared in a few weeks, I’ll push myself to the limit. I’ll have the opportunity to train with several NHL players here in Saskatoon, which will be invaluable, and I’m focused on significantly enhancing my strength.”

However, Catton acknowledges the importance of working intelligently rather than simply exerting maximum effort. He recognizes that he won’t become a physical powerhouse capable of overpowering opponents due to his size, but he intends to refine his approach to utilize his body more effectively and adopt a more assertive style of play going forward.

“I understand that I won’t be throwing players around the boards,” Catton remarked regarding his need to add muscle. “But if I can position myself in front of opponents during rushes and impede their progress, preventing them from entering my zone, I have the speed to intercept on the cut-back and disrupt their play. It’s about guiding opponents where I want them to be, and for that, I recognize the necessity of increasing my strength to execute it consistently.”

Playing In Montreal

Playing in Montreal presents a distinctive experience for NHL players, as the intense spotlight, pressure, and attention from fervent fanbases can deter some. Berkly Catton, however, stands apart from those players.

Catton expressed his delight about playing in a market like Montreal, stating, “I don’t really think you can ask for anything better (laughs). I absolutely love it.” He finds the electric atmosphere captivating, considering it the epitome of a young hockey player’s dream.

For Catton, the allure of playing in Montreal extends beyond the city and its fans; he is also drawn to the organization’s evolving identity and the caliber of players they are assembling.

Regarding his contribution to a winning team and environment, Catton believes in his ability to enhance the performance of those around him while thriving himself in high-pressure situations. He sees potential in young core players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens, acknowledging how they too elevate their game. Catton’s confidence lies in his belief that the next move when the puck is on his stick tends to be advantageous, contributing to winning hockey games.

Despite the perpetual pressure associated with playing for the Montreal Canadiens, particularly as expectations escalate, Catton remains unfazed, drawing from his experience of dealing with pressure since a young age. He recognizes the weight of expectations, having been the 1st overall pick in the WHL, but asserts that once he steps onto the ice, it’s simply the same game he’s been playing since childhood—a game he approaches with a desire to make a difference and secure victory.

While Catton chose not to provide a direct response, TVA Sports’ Anthony Martineau has confirmed multiple meetings between Catton and the Montreal Canadiens, indicating mutual interest. Whether this translates into selection at the 2024 NHL Draft remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Catton possesses both the skill set and the mindset to play a significant role on whichever team has the privilege of drafting him.