Seattle Kraken select Julius Miettinen No. 40 overall in 2024 NHL Draft

On Saturday at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the Seattle Kraken took Julius Miettinen in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, No. 40 overall.

Miettinen spent the 2023-24 regular season with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he registered 31 goals and 36 assists for 67 points in 66 games during his first WHL season. The Finnish forward ranked third among Silvertips skaters in goals and fourth in points. Miettinen added two goals and four points in nine WHL Playoff contests.

At 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, Miettinen uses his size and strength to his advantage and is strong on the forecheck. He is a strong net-front presence and was widely used as a net font bouncer on the Silvertips powerplay. Miettinen appeared in two games for Finland’s national team at the U18 level but was held pointless. 

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis, rated Miettinen as the No. 49 best-ranked prospect.

“I really, really like Miettinen. The Silvertips star plugged away at a point-per-game pace all season long, his first in North America. He’s big at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, and he’s not afraid to use his frame any time he can. Miettinen protects well, skates solidly and is difficult to take the puck off of. His season started slowly, but once he got more comfortable in his new environment, he started to really look good.”

Miettinen joins fellow Western Hockey League forward Berkly Catton as one of the two picks so far made by Seattle. The Kraken are expected to pick next at No. 63 overall