Devils 2024 NHL Draft Profile: Berkly Catton

Berkly Catton's elite skating and rush game should make him an option for the New Jersey Devils with the 10th pick, even if he's more of the same

We're getting closer to the NHL Draft, which is now a little less than three weeks away. While there's been talk about the New Jersey Devils and if they'll move the 10th overall pick for immediate NHL talent, odds are they'll make the selection on June 28.

Among the prospects we've looked at recently are Sam Dickinson, Tij Iginla, and more. Today, we'll go over the dynamic Berkly Catton, who put up some outrageous numbers in the WHL and finished with 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games. Let's look at why he could be a fit for the Devils with the 10th pick despite him maybe being more of the same.

Berkly Catton Rankings

• Elite Prospects: 8

• TSN/Bob McKenzie: 10

• TSN/Craig Button: 14

• THN/Ferrari: 3

• McKeen's Hockey: 7

• FLOHockey/Chris Peters: 7

• Daily Faceoff: 7

• Dobber Prospects: 3

• NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters): 8

Catton's point totals in the WHL do not look like an accident. The first thing that stands out about his game is excellent and dynamic skating, something you hope to see from a forward who measures 5-foot-11, 165 pounds.

What stands out about Catton's dynamic skating is his work in transition. He's an incredibly deceptive skater, and is excellent at making defenders miss in the neutral zone. He knows how to bait defenders into thinking he's going one way before taking advantage and getting them out of position.

When watching the couple of YouTube highlights I did of Catton for writing this, the first player I instantly thought of was Jesper Bratt. Catton is a deceptive skater because he'll use similar pivot and crossover moves to Bratt.

Not only does Catton skate through the neutral zone with ease because of his skating, but he takes the puck toward high-danger areas in the offensive zone. Once he gets to high-danger areas, he'll use his skill to fire off a shot or make a pass that will wow you.

Another player that Catton reminds me of (you might have guessed this) is Devils center Jack Hughes. You know how Hughes has never seen a zone entry he doesn't like and will use his shiftiness and stickhandling to gain the offensive zone with possession? Catton has many of those similar traits, too.

Catton is a good shooter. You don't score 54 goals by accident in the WHL if you don't have a plus shot. But what stands out to me about his game is his playmaking. You know how Hughes uses the ice as a chessboard? Well, Catton also does similar things as a playmaker.

Catton surveys the ice very well and does not force passes when they aren't there. Like Hughes, Catton will buy time and space for himself so that teammates can find open ice in the offensive zone.