New Jersey Devils 2024 NHL Draft Profile 1.0 features one of the best playmakers in the class

The New Jersey Devils are prime candidates to trade their 10th overall pick at the 2024 NHL Draft, but if they can’t work out a deal, they will use that selection on a potentially elite talent. Berkly Catton is one player who could be there, and while a contingent of fans may express disappointment that general manager Tom Fitzgerald didn’t trade the pick, someone like Catton would at least ease that pain. 

Catton is undersized and likely a few seasons from playing even part-time in the NHL, but he’s a playmaker. Should he go to an organization like the Devils, as predicted in some NHL mock drafts, who would likely have Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier by the time he’s ready for the big club, there won’t be many teams in the league, whether at the current 32 or if the league expands to more by that time, equipped to stop Catton. 

If you haven’t heard of him yet, or if you’re just interested in taking a deep dive into learning more about this dynamic prospect currently playing for the Spokane Chiefs, keep reading and prepare for some entertainment. 

Who is Berkly Catton?

Berkly Catton doesn’t bring ideal NHL size, so for a potential top-10 pick, he must pack on at least 30 pounds between now and when he’s regularly playing in the big league. But his outrageous production vs. more than respectable competition is one major reason why Catton ranks so far up the draft boards. 

He had just 55 points and 23 goals in 2022-23 across 63 regular season games, which are good numbers for many players who spend their first full respective seasons in the WHL. Yet that doesn’t account for the leap in 2023-24, when he ended the year just shy of two points per game, with 116 in 68 regular season contests, in which 54 went for goals. 

Other solid aspects of Berkly Catton’s game

While he’s a fast skater with excellent edgework, Catton often won’t break away from opponents. But he can gain at least a step on them, which allows him just enough space to create chances for himself and others. Overall, his skating is upper echelon, but it still has some maturing, which is scary when you think about the fact he can already hit an outstanding top-end pace. 

It’s easy to assume that when a prospect enters the draft after scoring 54 goals, he’s probably an outstanding shooter. And you don’t need to watch Catton’s film for too long before you realize that’s definitely the case, as he can drag a puck long enough until he freezes a goaltender before firing it top-shelf, and it will land somewhere in the back of the net. 

But Catton isn’t just a pure scorer as the video from NHL Draft Pros points out, and that forces opponents and goaltenders to account for the possibility that he will pass the puck. All he needs is a quick deke or one small motion to look like he’s passing to throw opponents off, and he’s got an open shooting lane. And if they don’t bite, he’ll pass it to someone else and he’ll be more than fine with the assist. 

Oh, and speaking passing, Catton is one of those players who can control the speed of a sequence, slowing opponents enough to where he can find an open teammate skating near or at top speed to the outside and hitting them with a pass while they’re in full stride. And it doesn’t matter how many opponents surround him; he’s luring them in and making them pay when that open teammate has a one-on-one chance against the opposing goaltender. 

Processing the game well has worked in Berkly Catton’s favor

Regardless of the sport, whether it’s hockey, soccer, football, or basketball, players who always know where to go with the puck (or the ball) have that uncanny ability to quickly process the game. It’s a trait Berkly Catton already has, and it allows him to trust his teammate enough to pass the puck to where they’re supposed to be, so when that player looks up, the puck is already near if not already glued to their stick. 

And it matters little if his team’s deep in the offensive zone or if they’re in transition. Catton knows where opponents will be, he knows where his teammates will be, he knows when to pass, and whether it needs to be a hard pass or a touch pass. It’s almost like he’s playing a half-second to a second faster than his opposition, and it’s the sign of a highly intelligent player. 

Catton also uses his high hockey IQ to create pressure, knowing when a pass is coming from an opponent and either disrupting the play or stealing the puck in the process. Then he’ll log another helper shortly thereafter, meaning he displays some sound defense. Further, if it means passing through traffic after stealing a puck to make something happen, Catton’s completely fine with it. 

What does Berkly Catton need to improve?

Size is one issue, but that’s something he can spend a few years working on, building his physique slowly, which will allow him to retain those game-changing attributes we were talking about earlier. But the slight frame leaves Catton prone to relying too much on stick lifting and less on body checking, making him hesitant for contact. 

He’s shown flashes of having good compete, but Catton can get a little too excited defensively and overskate plays. Because he’s such a good skater, he can get back into position to make a heroic recovery, but that won’t be so easy when he eventually reaches the higher levels. 

Catton can also do the opposite at times and get lazy in the defensive zone, to the point he takes himself out of the play by skating around and opting to take on nobody. He can also hesitate to block shots and even use his stick to deflect pucks when there is a rebound. 

There are also times when he calls his own number, trying to do everything himself when it just isn’t necessary. This will cause Catton to be responsible for turnovers. Or, there are times when he has too much confidence in his passing ability and processing, which will lead to turnovers that can subsequently turn into breakaways. 

(Statistics powered by Elite Prospects)