Training camp, it has begun (read in the Mortal Kombat voice), and Into the Deep dives into next season’s projections for winger Jordan Eberle. One of the remaining eleven players drafted by the Kraken in the expansion draft, Eberle has proven to be one of the most important and popular players on the team. Entering his third season with Seattle, Eberle looks to take his game to the next level, and lead the team deep(er) into the playoffs.
Jordan Eberle is a stud. Plain and simple. Playing right wing on the top line for the Seattle Kraken, Eberle had his best season in his last nine years. Number 7 finished with 20 goals, 43 assists and 63 points in 82 games. He saved his best for the post season scoring 6 goals, 5 assists and 11 points in 14 games.
Dude played every single game for the Kraken last season and was a leader on the ice and in the locker room.
Ok, ok, I have a bit of a man crush on Eberle, but after last season, why wouldn’t most hockey fans adore this guy?
So what are the projections for Eberle next season? Playing along side Matty Beniers and Jared McCann automatically puts him at or around his numbers from last season (if they all stay healthy). I do not see any regression from McCann’s 40 goals season last year, and would expect him to put somewhere between 38-45 goals in 2023-24.
Rookie of the year Matty Beniers should improve on his 24 goals, 33 assists, and 57 points. I project Beniers scoring 30 goals, 44 assists, and 74 points next season. The Hockey News, incredibly reputable, has Beneirs scoring 77 points.
Improvement from both of these players will no doubt increase the Eberle’s stat line as well. I project Eberle scoring 26 goals, 45 assists, and 71 points.
The Hockey News has Eberle scoring 50 points. We shall see… I do not see this happening if his linemates light it up again next year. For the record, The Hockey News was way off last season with all of their Kraken projections.
If you play fantasy hockey, Eberle is a late-round sleeper pick (well, anywhere outside of Seattle).
The Kraken have had one captain in franchise history, Mark Giordano, who played the first 55 games in Kraken history with the ‘C’ on his sweater. Last season, the team had a collective captaincy group, as opposed to one man being appointed. The team benefited from having the leadership and guidance from multiple players.
It worked, ask the Colorado Avalanche.
Eberle was one of the leaders who wore the ‘A’ at times, and deservedly so.
As the team enters the third season in franchise history, they will no doubt be looking to name the next captain. The team has a few players who are more than worthy and deserving of the honors. When the team decides on it’s next general, they will no doubt be looking for a player who will be around for the next few seasons.
The next captain will be the vocal leader of the team, the guy players look to when things get tough, and face of the franchise.
Why not Eberle?
Potential players that could realistically be the next captain for Seattle include Jaden Schwartz, Matty Beniers, Adam Larsson, and of course Eberle. All are deserving, however Eberle and Schwartz would be the best options, if you ask me.
Eberle is the man. Have a season this year Jordan!
Fear the deep!