Seattle Kraken: Three Leaders to Watch for in 2024-25?

The Seattle Kraken were a bit of a letdown in 2023-24. After riding high in 2022-23, with a playoff appearance and series win to boot, last year was a serious bummer. But, with new acquisitions made, and some key pieces retained, the past is behind them and they look like they are ready to try and make another playoff run in 2024-25. But, who will lead them there?

Currently, they do not have a captain, but they could use some other form of leadership to bring themselves back up from the depths of the Pacific Division. Leadership, by performance and presence. They don't necessarily need one player to count on for bringing this group together, but one player in each position group.

Let's talk about it.

Forwards - Jared McCann

The one guy representing the forward group should be Jared McCann. He has been the best player on this roster since its inception in 2021-22, and that still reigns true for this upcoming year. He should be the example that the rest of the forwards should look up to and follow. After having the worst offensive season, as a team, in franchise history, the main priority is fixing the forward group.

McCann, who is in the midst of his prime years, has been steadily successful for the Kraken. He is a record-holder in a lot of categories already and has the chance to be the first Kraken player with his number retired when it is all said and done. But, for now, he will likely be the top scorer again in 2024-25, and he could potentially break his record of goals in a season with 40.

One player in particular that should take advantage of learning under McCann, is Matty Beniers. After signing his monster deal earlier this week, all eyes are on him to be everything the fans want him to be, and then some. The expectation is that he will be a game-changer and a top scorer.

Defense - Brandon Montour

This is gonna be the trickiest position group to name a leader too. With Vince Dunn being the top dog over the past few seasons, the tides have shifted to a new face that has yet to even wear the Kraken sweater yet. That would be the newly acquired defenseman, Brandon Montour.

Montour, who signed with the Kraken fresh off of winning the Stanley Cup with Florida, has upstaged Dunn's leadership role. Obviously, the defense has been a soft spot and it has hindered stellar play from the goaltenders. Hopefully, Montour can bring his winning aura to the Kraken and make some necessary changes.

Goaltender - Joey Daccord

This is a no-brainer. Joey Daccord is the leader of the goalie group because he will be the starter for next season. Philipp Grubauer and Daccord will split the games next season, and it will be Daccord making a majority of the starts.

As Grubauer has failed to make any type of positive traction since coming to Seattle, this is a make-or-break year for him. If it doesn't work out this time, he may be gone before the season is even over. That is why it is so important for Daccord to be regarded as the leader of the goaltending group because he can give some much-needed inspiration and motivation to his fellow teammate in the net.

Is there another player that could be considered as a leader of the Kraken?