Kraken Sign Impressive Defensive Prospect

 The Seattle Kraken have added another prospect to their ranks, coming to terms with 2023 third-round pick Caden Price on a three-year entry-level deal.

Price is right! 🤑

The #SeaKraken have signed 2023 third-round draft pick Caden Price to a three-year, entry-level contract ($908k AAV). pic.twitter.com/jDlRm0r6ZE

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) April 24, 2024

The ELC comes with a $908,000 AAV. 

The 18-year-old significantly improved his offensive output in each of his three seasons with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL, finishing this past season with 13 goals and 42 assists for 55 points in 62 games. He also added 11 points in 11 playoff games. He was recently named to the All-WHL Second Team. 

But's it not just his developing offensive skills that make him a solid prospect, according to Daily Faceoff's  Anthony Trudeau, “Price is a rangy left-handed shot whose strides enable him to throw big hits and pinch on offense. His skating and defensive instincts are strengths that will translate well in the NHL."

Price was the 84th overall selection in last year's draft, and is now set to begin his pro career with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL on an amateur tryout as they prepare for the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs after earning a first-round bye. 

Next season, the Kraken must decide whether to keep Price up with the big team for more than 10 games or to send him back to juniors in Kelowna and slide his 3-year ELC by a year. He would not be eligible to be sent down to the AHL. 

Photo: © Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports