Eberle named Kraken captain, replaces Giordano

Jordan Eberle was named captain of the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday prior to their season opener, a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena.

The 34-year-old forward is the Kraken's second captain since they joined the NHL for the 2021-22 season. He replaces Mark Giordano, who held the role until he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 20, 2022.

"I was pretty honored," Eberle said after the loss. "To be a captain in this league is special. I’d like to think our group, we have a lot of good leaders. We’ve had a lot of guys who have Cups, guys who have playoff experience. To be a part of this group is special and to be named [captain], I mean, my family and I love this city, we love the culture here, and it’s a big part of why we wanted to be here."

Eberle had 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 78 games last season. Selected by Seattle in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, he is second in Kraken history in games played (239), goals (58), assists (93) and points (182). His six Stanley Cup Playoff goals rank first in team history, and his 11 points are second.

Eberle was an alternate captain in each of his three seasons with the Kraken. His 245 games in the regular season are first in team history.

"I had an 'A' pretty early (in Edmonton), I think I was 22, but I’ve been around a lot of good captains, played with a lot of good leaders," Eberle said. "My personality, I’m pretty straightforward, not going to be a guy who’s rah-rah in the locker room. I love intensity, but I try to do my work through my actions and the way that I present myself. So, I think I’ve seen all types of leaders and the biggest thing is be yourself."

Selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round (No. 22) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Eberle has 702 points (299 goals, 403 assists) in 1,018 regular-season games for the Kraken, New York Islanders and Oilers and 47 points (19 goals, 28 assists) in 76 playoff games.

"Jordan's been a leader for our franchise since Day 1," Seattle general manager Ron Francis said. "He has the full respect of his teammates and is a tremendous role model for our younger players. Jordan's everything you'd want in a captain."

Adam Larsson, Jaden Schwartz, Yanni Gourde and Matty Beniers were named alternate captains.

"Leadership is about having a team-first mindset, and Jordan has all the qualities of a captain," Seattle coach Dan Bylsma said. "His experience on the ice speaks for itself, but it's the way he treats everyone around him that leaves an indelible mark. I'm confident Jordan will be an outstanding leader for this franchise."

For the first time since 2010-11, every team in the NHL has a captain. Clayton Keller became the first to hold the role for the Utah Hockey Club on Oct. 4.