The Seattle Kraken have updated their roster ahead of the NHL’s upcoming Winter Olympic break by placing rookie center Berkly Catton on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. This move follows the team’s announcement that Catton would miss their final three games before the pause in the season.
Catton, who sustained his injury on January 29 during a collision with a Toronto Maple Leafs player, had been sidelined since that incident. The 20-year-old forward, a left-shooting center from Saskatchewan, has participated in 40 games this season, recording five goals and six assists for 11 points, with a minus-3 rating. Selected eighth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Catton was a standout player for the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL between 2022 and 2025.
Oscar Fisker Molgaard Joins Kraken’s Active Roster
To fill Catton’s spot, the Kraken recalled Danish center Oscar Fisker Molgaard from their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Molgaard is also 20 years old and was the Kraken’s second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He has appeared in two NHL games this season, earning one assist, and has tallied 22 points across 36 AHL games with seven goals and 15 assists.
Molgaard is among four Kraken players participating in the Winter Olympics. Alongside him are right wings Kaapo Kakko and Eeli Tolvanen representing Team Finland, and goaltender Philipp Grubauer playing for Team Germany. The men’s hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics begins on February 11.
Kraken Battle Kings Before Season Pauses for Olympics
The Kraken were preparing for a game against the Los Angeles Kings at 7 p.m. on Wednesday as their last NHL contest before the Olympic hiatus. Currently holding a 26-20-9 record with 61 points, Seattle leads Los Angeles by a single point for fourth place in the Pacific Division standings. They remain three points behind the division-tied leaders, the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers.
Meanwhile, trade discussions reportedly remain open regarding forward Shane Wright, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Kraken’s roster management during this period.
Olympic Participation Highlights Kraken’s Talent Across Nations
The involvement of several Kraken players in the Winter Olympics emphasizes the diverse talent pool on the team and their commitment to international competition. Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Kaapo Kakko, Eeli Tolvanen, and Philipp Grubauer represent four different countries and bring valuable experience that could influence team dynamics upon their return.
This roster adjustment, prompted by Catton’s injury, serves not only as a strategic response to immediate needs but also highlights the Kraken’s depth as they head into a crucial part of the NHL season after the Olympic break.
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