The greatest former Kraken’s of all time

The Seattle Kraken may only be in their fourth season, but already, a few players have come and gone who left a lasting impression. In a franchise as young as Seattle’s, these early departures feel like big milestones, adding pieces to the team’s short but memorable history. Today, we’re taking a look back at the top three “former Kraken legends” – a select group of players who helped shape the team’s early years, whether through leadership, hard work, or simply being there for the inaugural journey.

Mark Giordano – The Kraken’s first Captain

Every franchise needs a leader, and for the Seattle Kraken, Mark Giordano was that guy – for a few months, anyway. Giordano brought veteran experience, composure, and instant credibility to the new squad, stepping into the role of captain in the Kraken’s inaugural season. In a city where fans had only just learned what icing was, Giordano was a shining beacon of hockey wisdom.

Unfortunately, his time here was, shall we say, fleeting. After 55 games, the Kraken decided they could bear to part with him, shipping Giordano off to Toronto like a collectible on loan. Nevertheless, those months made him an unforgettable piece of Kraken lore. He was Seattle's first leader, the man who held up our first victory puck, and the first to wave goodbye. In the grand (albeit short) history of the Kraken, he’ll always be our original… even if we barely got a chance to get his jersey signed.

Alex Wennberg – The everyman’s hero

Ah, Alex Wennberg. Seattle’s beloved middle-six center. While he didn’t put up superstar numbers or light up the stat sheet, Wennberg had that special Kraken quality – a sort of quiet, dependable presence. He didn’t steal headlines or grab a starring role, but for a fanbase looking for stability, he was the guy you’d bring home to meet your family. You could always count on Wennberg to bring a few assists, a couple of clean face-offs, and maybe even a smooth pass or two that almost led to a goal.

Wennberg was a steady force, the kind of guy who wouldn’t steal the show but wouldn’t mess it up, either. In a franchise where any semblance of consistency is cause for legend status, Wennberg, with his stable-yet-unremarkable tenure, earns a rightful place among the Kraken’s finest alumni. Seattle will always remember the time Wennberg was here…mostly because we don’t have that many players to remember.

Carson Soucy – The gritty defenseman who did the dirty work

Next up is Carson Soucy, Seattle’s resident gritty defender and all-around solid guy on the blue line. Soucy may not have had the flashiest stats, but his contributions went beyond the numbers. With a reliable slapshot, a solid physical presence, and a knack for breaking up plays, he was exactly what Seattle fans needed – a good, hard-nosed defender who kept it simple.

Soucy wasn’t about fancy footwork or flashy goals; he just played hockey. Fans loved him not because he was extraordinary, but because he was one of us: dependable, a bit rugged, and always giving 110%. He came, he checked, he blocked, and then, just like so many others, he moved on. Carson Soucy may not get his number retired in Climate Pledge Arena, but in the hearts of Kraken fans, he’ll always be that gritty defenseman who held the blue line when it mattered most…kind of.

Honorable Mentions:

Ryan Donato – The first goal scorer in Kraken history

Some players leave a mark, but only one can be the first to score, and that’s Ryan Donato. When Donato slipped the puck past Vegas’ netminder in the franchise’s first game, he instantly solidified his spot in Kraken history. Sure, he only played for a couple of seasons, but for that moment alone, Donato achieved what no one else ever could. He’ll forever be the answer to the trivia question, “Who scored the Kraken’s first goal?” And really, for a team with only four years of history, that’s enough to make him a legend.

Daniel Sprong – The spark of offense

Daniel Sprong’s tenure in Seattle was full of unpredictable energy. He wasn’t the most consistent scorer, but when he showed up, he made it memorable. His flashes of skill and fearless attitude on the ice made him a player fans won’t forget. Sprong may have been a short chapter in Kraken history, but he’ll always be remembered as the guy who kept fans on their toes. He’s earned an honorable mention here—though technically, he's back with the Kraken to continue building his legacy.

Remembering the first wave

The Seattle Kraken may still be young, but every player who’s been part of this journey has added something special. Mark Giordano, Alex Wennberg, Carson Soucy, Ryan Donato, and Daniel Sprong each made their mark in a franchise finding its footing. Their legacies might not fill trophy cases, but for Kraken fans, these players helped lay the foundation. Here’s to these early “Kraken legends”—the players who helped us get this journey started, one milestone at a time.