On Saturday at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the Seattle Kraken selected Julius Miettinen in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, 40th overall.
Miettinen played the 2023-24 season with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He tallied 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 games.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 207 pounds, Miettinen leverages his size and strength effectively, excelling on the forecheck and as a net-front presence on the powerplay. Although he appeared in two games for Finland's national team at the U18 level, he did not record any points.
Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis ranked Miettinen as the No. 49 prospect, stating, «I really, really like Miettinen. The Silvertips star maintained 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.»
