A 19-Year-Old QMJHL Champ Is Joining Our Kraken: Get Ready For A Serious Blueline Upgrade

Alright, Emerald City, get ready to get hyped! Our Seattle Kraken just locked down their 2024 third-round draft pick, Alexis Bernier, to a sweet three-year, entry-level contract worth $1,033,333 AAV, starting next season. This 19-year-old defenseman is officially part of the Kraken family, and if you’ve been watching what he’s been doing in the QMJHL, you know this is a massive move for our blueline’s future. General Manager Jason Botterill is pumped about this, and honestly, so should every single one of us.

Meet Our New Blueline Bruiser

This isn't just any prospect, folks. Bernier is a legit force at 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, and Botterill made it clear, "He plays a strong, physical game and will bring size to our blueline." Size and physicality? Yes, please! We're talking about a guy who isn't afraid to throw his weight around and make life miserable for opposing forwards. He’s exactly the kind of presence you want defending our net. He just helped the Chicoutimi Saguenéens snag the Gilles-Courteau Trophy, winning the QMJHL Championship for the first time in 32 years! That's a winner right there. He even chipped in four goals and three assists in 20 playoff games for Chicoutimi this season, proving he steps up when the stakes are highest.

Deep Dive Into The Stats: This Kid's a Machine

Bernier's journey to the Emerald City has been nothing short of impressive. Before his championship run with Chicoutimi, he was racking up serious numbers with Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Across four seasons in the QMJHL, he amassed a total of 106 points. Let that sink in. But let's zoom in on his standout 2024-25 campaign. He put up 46 points, with 14 goals and 32 assists, in just 59 games played. That's not just good for a defenseman; it's elite! He was tied for fifth in points and tied for third in goals among all blueliners league-wide that season, earning him QMJHL First All-Star Team honors. He also led all Baie-Comeau blueliners and ranked fourth among all skaters in both points and assists. This dude has offensive firepower to go with that physical game. In total, he notched 94 points, 22 goals and 72 assists, across 190 games before joining Chicoutimi, and has 17 points, 6 goals and 11 assists, over 42 career QMJHL playoff appearances. Bernier isn't even done with this season yet! He and Chicoutimi are heading to the Memorial Cup, facing off against the Everett Silvertips, Kitchener Rangers, and Kelowna Rockets. So, we get to watch him play even more championship hockey before he officially joins the Kraken next season. This signing is a massive signal for the future of our blueline. We’re talking size, physicality, and a proven winner who's going to make a difference. Get ready, Emerald City. Our blueline is getting an upgrade!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.