This season, the Seattle Kraken took a major step forward in defining their team identity by naming Jordan Eberle as their official captain. Heading into their fourth season, the Kraken were ready for a leader who could bring experience, grit, and a steadfast presence both on and off the ice—and Eberle fit the bill.
After the Kraken’s inaugural captain Mark Giordano was traded away before the end of their first season, Seattle opted not to name a new captain for two years. Instead, they leaned on a core group of alternate captains, including Yanni Gourde, Adam Larsson, Jaden Schwartz, and, of course, Eberle himself. But heading into this season, Seattle decided it was time to put the “C” back on a jersey, and Eberle was the one they chose to wear it. Joining him as an alternate captain is Matty Beniers, a move that signals the franchise’s vision for both leadership and the future.
It’s easy to see why Eberle was chosen. His on-ice performance has spoken volumes since the team’s debut. From notching the first hat trick in franchise history to leading the team in game-winning goals, Eberle has consistently shown up in clutch moments. Statistically, he’s a powerhouse—currently second in franchise history in both goals and assists—but his impact goes far beyond the numbers.
Take last night’s game as the perfect example. Late in a decisive 8-2 blowout over the Montreal Canadiens, Eberle showcased exactly why he’s captain material. As the game wound down, Montreal’s frustration started to surface, leading to an intense hit on young Matty Beniers by Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The hit, while clean, felt unnecessary, as if the Canadiens were trying to shift the game from skill to physicality in their frustration. Despite the towering mismatch—Xhekaj standing at 6’4” and 240 lbs—Eberle didn’t hesitate to step up and defend his young teammate. Known more for his scoring finesse than his fighting, Eberle’s quick decision to stand up for Beniers sent a message: he’s got his team’s back, no matter the situation.
Jordan Eberle goes after the much larger Arber Xhekaj after Xhekaj hit Matty Beniers.
— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) October 30, 2024
That's captain material. pic.twitter.com/ds4DzHAZW9
Seattle has players who could handle the physical side of the game, but it was powerful to see Eberle, the team’s new captain, take on that role with such intensity and fearlessness. His energy and commitment to protecting his teammates, especially a promising young player like Beniers, reflect the kind of leadership Seattle wants as they build their identity in the league.
The Kraken have built a team that’s less about top-heavy star power and more about depth and teamwork. But Eberle’s willingness to stand out, to embrace a leadership role that goes beyond stats, shows why he deserves the captain’s badge. He’s a leader who embodies the Kraken’s values, and his actions last night were a perfect reminder of why Seattle put their trust in him as the captain.