Kelowna Rockets defenceman Caden Price has signed an entry-level contract with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
The three-year, two-way contract, worth $908,000, is set to begin next season.
Price, a 2023 third-round draft pick (83rd overall), is expected to report to Seattle’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the season.
“We are excited for Caden to officially join our organization after a career year in the WHL,” said Ron Frances, Kraken general manager. “We’ve been impressed with his progress so far and looking forward to seeing him continue to develop.”
Due to the CHL-NHL Transfer Agreement, Price will not be eligible to play in the AHL full-time next season, he must either make the Seattle squad or be returned to the Rockets for his nineteen-year-old season.
Price recorded 55 points (13 goals, 42 assists) in 62 regular-season games with the Rockets.
He topped Kelowna blueliners and ranked 12th among all WHL defensemen, with his efforts earning him All-WHL Second Team honours.
Price had 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in 11 playoff games with the Rockets, which ranked fourth among his team’s skaters and led Kelowna defensemen.
He has spent his entire WHL career with the Rockets, totaling 116 points (20 goals, 96 assists) in 174 regular-season games over three seasons (2021-22 to 2023-24).
Price was named his team’s top defenseman in 2022-23 and 2023-24 after leading Kelowna blueliners in scoring both seasons.
A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Price represented Canada at the IIHF 2023 U18 World Junior Championship, taking home a bronze medal.
READ MORE: West Kelowna Warriors facing elimination from BCHL playoffs
READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham set to play Whitecaps in B.C. Place