When the Seattle Kraken selected WHL phenom Berkly Catton at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, his junior city of Spokane, Wash., erupted with excitement. Fans of their neighbors to the west, the Everett Silvertips, awoke the next morning to learn that their dependable centerman, Julius Miettinen, had also joined the Kraken organization.
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches—set for June 27–28 in Los Angeles—another Pacific Northwest junior fanbase may get to see one of its local stars stay close to home. Prospects from the Everett Silvertips, Tri-City Americans, and Seattle Thunderbirds project to be selected within the first two rounds.
After some bad luck in the NHL Draft Lottery, the Kraken hold the eighth overall pick once again, but unlike last year—when they chose based on best available talent—organizational need could drive their decision more this time around. And that need appears to be on defense.
To date, all of Seattle’s first-round picks have been forwards. With a clear need on defense, that could finally change. Still, there are enticing offensive talents in the region, any of whom could bolster the Kraken’s long-term attack.
Intriguingly, two of the top defensive prospects expected to be available at No. 8 are junior players who play in the region already. Seattle has heavily favored CHL players in recent drafts, selecting 11 from the OHL and 10 from the WHL. In 2024 alone, they picked four WHL players, including two from the U.S. Division: Catton and Miettinen.
Team scouts were a consistent presence at Silvertips games—especially late in the season while Miettinen was injured—highlighting their close regional monitoring. Selecting regionally is a trend the Kraken have embraced before. So, will they do it again?
Here are some local players that could fit into the team’s long-term plans.
Defense – Jackson Smith – Tri-City Americans
A left-handed offensive threat, Jackson Smith (’07) could be a possible successor to Vince Dunn one day, depending on his development.
At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he has the size and skill to be a dynamic two-way defender. That could bode well for Seattle, which needs to bolster the blue-line depth in its prospect pipeline.
With much of the organization’s current D-corps pushing or already past 30 years old, it will soon become time to shift focus to a younger group. Smith’s solid two-way play could make him a well-rounded presence capable of stepping in as the next wave arrives.
Smith finished the season with 11 goals and 43 assists in Tri-City, ranking fourth in team scoring.
Sound Of Hockey’s Mid-Season Big Board had Smith ranked eighth—right where the Kraken are set to select.
Left wing – Carter Bear – Everett Silvertips
It’s a shame we didn’t get to see a full draft year from Carter Bear (‘06), because he was electric in the games he did play. He suffered a lacerated Achilles tendon in March, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Bear is a shifty, puck-hounding forward from Winnipeg, MB. His high compete level is what stands out. If he fully commits to the wing, he could be an excellent forechecker alongside the likes of Catton or Shane Wright, helping to set up scoring chances for years to come.
“I think I’ve improved a lot this season,” Bear told Sound Of Hockey after a game in January. “I’ve always been a hard worker on the forecheck and backcheck.”
Despite his shortened season, he continued to climb draft boards. He began the season rated a ‘B’ prospect by NHL Central Scouting, which later was upgraded to an ‘A’.
He’s also a player who knows where to be to contribute offensively. Bear had 82 points in 56 games, leading the Silvertips in scoring during the regular season and was named team MVP, despite the protracted season.
So, Bear could be a real option if the Kraken choose to go the forward route again. Even with the injury, he is still considered a prized top-20 talent, though selecting him at No. 8 could be seen as a reach. There’s growing curiosity about whether his recovery will allow him to participate in the World Junior Summer Showcase in July.
Bear ranked 13th on SOH’s Midseason Big Board.
Defense – Radim Mrtka – Seattle Thunderbirds
Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Radim Mrtka (‘07) is a smooth-skating, big-bodied blueliner from Czechia. He’s also a consensus top-20 prospect in this year’s draft.
Standing 6-foot-6, Mrtka brings shades of John Klingberg, using his reach to compensate for the typical mobility issues that come with his height. Still, he’s agile for his size and skilled with the puck.
He posted 35 points in 43 games for a surging T-Birds team this season and could become a long-term presence on any NHL team’s blue line. He also feels like a natural successor one day to Jamie Oleksiak.
Mrtka ranked 15th on SOH’s Midseason Big Board.
Center – Braeden Cootes – Seattle Thunderbirds
While it’s unlikely the Kraken will select Cootes (‘07) at eighth overall, he remains a fascinating prospect who could still be available at No. 38 when Seattle makes its second-round pick.
The most noticeable part of Cootes’ game is his work ethic. He’s a classic ‘first guy into the zone’ forward who excels at applying pressure and creating chaos in the offensive end.
He also plays smart for his tenacity—just 18 penalty minutes in 60 games this season—and is known for some clutch moments in Seattle.
Cootes led the T-Birds with 26 goals and 37 assists, earning team MVP honors, and also served as their captain—the youngest captain in the entire WHL.
SOH’s midseason board ranked him at 24th, and he just had an outstanding U18 World Championship for Team Canada. So a lot of chips would have to fall the right way for the Kraken to end up selecting him.
So will they do it again?
Given their WHL-heavy draft history and the wealth of local talent in this year’s class, Seattle taking another local product is certainly in play. Whether it’s Jackson Smith or Radim Mrtka shoring up the blue line, or Carter Bear adding bite up front, Seattle has strong regional options that align with both need and philosophy.
With four U.S. Division prospects projected in the top 25, the Kraken could once again turn to familiar territory to shape their future—and fans across the Pacific Northwest will be watching closely.
Header by Brian Liesse, courtesy of the Seattle Thunderbirds