Seattle Kraken select Caden Price No. 84 overall in 2023 NHL Draft

The Seattle Kraken selected Kelowna Rockets defenseman Caden Price with the No. 84 overall pick of the 2023 draft on Thursday.

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.

While Price’s defense and athleticism are intriguing, he has produced plenty of offense for Kelowna in the WHL.

After dishing a respectable 19 assists and 21 points in 47 games as a rookie in 2021-2022, Price grew offense last season with 35 helpers and 40 points in 65 contests. His playmaking was also apparent on the international stage: Price had five assists in seven games with Team Canada at the IIHF World Juniors.

Price’s steady approach and limited goalscoring meant that other defensemen lapped him as a prospect throughout the season; the Kraken will still be confident that they have selected a capable two-way pro with the X pick.

He does not have the signature tools of Dmitri Simashev or Axel Sandin Pellikka, but Price has all the potential to be a strong contributor on the left side of Seattle’s defensive corps.

“His game-to-game play varies, but when Price is on, he can take over and be the best player on any given shift,” Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis said. “He’s a strong skater who throws hits with purpose and loves to rush the puck. I loved his play later in the season and think he’ll only get better.”

Price, who does not turn 18 until August, will polish his game for another season or two in Kelowna before entering the mix to make the Kraken roster.