When Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen comes flying down the ice in tonight’s Memorial Cup game, another Kraken prospect will be trying to stop him. And now we know that 2024 3rd round pick Alexis Bernier will be remaining in the Kraken fold.
Less than two weeks before a June 1 deadline, the Kraken signed the defenseman to a three-year entry level contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.03 million. Had the club failed to get Bernier’s name on the dotted line by June 1, the Kraken would have lost rights to the 6-foot-1, 202 pound native of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec.
Bernier’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens, QMJHL champions, take on Miettinen’s WHL champion Everett Silvertips tonight (6 pm PT) in Kelowna, BC. The Memorial Cup round-robin includes the winners of the three Canadian hockey junior leagues (WHL, OHL, and QMJHL), plus the team from the host city, this year the Kelowna Rockets.
Kraken GM Feeling The Bern(ier)
In a statement, Seattle general manager Jason Botterill said of Bernier, “He plays a strong, physical game and will bring size to our blueline.”
Bernier spent much of this year rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered late last season. So the Saguenéens advancing through four playoff rounds has been especially valuable for the defenseman. Bernier suited up for 21 regular season games, and tonight can match that number of postseason contests.
At the time he was drafted, Elite Prospects lauded him for “breakout abilities (that) help him cut down his defensive zone time. They contribute to his shutdown abilities. As much as possible, he keeps the puck in control of his team with his poise and clever, simple passes.”
From the Seattle press release: “Prior to the 2025-26 season, the Quebec native totaled 94 points in 190 games with Baie-Comeau Drakkar. He donned the “A” during his standout 2024-25 campaign, recording 14 goals and 32 assists in 59 games. Among defensemen, his 14 goals tied for third league-wide. He was named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team for his performance that season.”
Earlier Kraken:
— AHL Firebirds Bounced In 4 Games
