Tonight is the big moment that Seattle sports fandom has been waiting for with anticipation. No, I’m not referring to the potential for the Mariners to eliminate the Blue Jays and advance to the World Series for the first time in team history. That’s a pretty big moment, but it’s not guaranteed, you know? The big moment that’s quite solidly confirmed is that Berkly Catton will slot into the Kraken’s lineup tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers for his NHL debut.
Catton was the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, and all eyes have been on him since. Playing for Washington State’s own Spokane Chiefs, last season Catton put up 38 goals and 71 assists for 109 points in 57 games as their captain. In the playoffs, he had 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points. Throughout these early games, Catton has been up with the Kraken instead of back with the Chiefs, but he has been healthy scratched and waiting for his turn. Tonight, he’ll finally get that rookie lap in an arena bathed in orange. (And maybe to some boos, because it is Philly, after all; I can say that because I live here.)
While this is a moment to celebrate for the 19-year-old, his reason for finally earning his debut is also a stroke of further bad injury luck for the Kraken. Before Lambert confirmed Catton’s status, it was announced that Jared McCann would be day-to-day and not available for tonight’s game. McCann joins a depleted lineup that includes injuries to Kaapo Kakko, Freddy Gaudreau, and Ryker Evans as well as a personal leave of absence for Brandon Montour. The Kraken have been displaying a next-man-up mentality that has propelled them to early season success with zero regulation losses in their first five games, but a team can only sustain so many injuries. Hopefully there is nothing to worry about, though, and that the Kraken, Mariners, and Seahawks can get the Seattle sports sweep tonight (unlike Philadelphia on October 9).