Seattle Kraken name new captain as the successor to Mark Giordano

A day before Jordan Eberle was officially named the second captain in Seattle Kraken history, he was already contributing to the team off the ice, just as much as he does on it. At 34, Eberle had volunteered to spend part of his Saturday morning alongside Kraken general manager Ron Francis co-hosting an exclusive online Q&A session for season ticket holders. Now in his 15th season in the NHL, Eberle has found an opportunity to embrace this past regular season by keeping in close touch with those fans who have supported this team both on and off the ice.

It's not just what Jordan Eberle does on the ice that makes him a leader, but also the attitude and commitment he puts forth in every little thing regarding the team. He has indeed stamped his authority on the rather short and fledgling history of Kraken, notching some of the most important goals since the beginning. His leadership and dedication made him the natural choice to succeed former captain Mark Giordano, who was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in March 2022. It was this combination of skill and leadership that set the stage for his new role of captain.

Fans got the feeling something was in the air Tuesday when Eberle was introduced last in the pregame introductions. By the time the Kraken's four alternate captains had hit the ice, the crowd erupted to introduce Eberle, knowing right then and there he was becoming the team's next captain. He's the first to score a hat trick in franchise history and netted the game-winner in that pivotal playoff game against Colorado. Jordan Eberle made his mark inside Climate Pledge Arena. He's second in all-time franchise scoring with 58 goals and 151 points, but off the ice, he's just as impressive.

It hasn't all been easy for Jordan Eberle with the Kraken. Early last season, he played with a broken hand, scoring an overtime winner against Detroit and handing the Red Wings their first home loss of the year. Later, he overcame a scary moment when linemate Jaden Schwartz lost his balance and accidentally slashed him in the leg with the blade of his skate. No matter the injury, Eberle always returned sooner rather than later and finished the season as the team leader in both points and spirits. All in all, his resiliency is a character testament both on and off the ice to his leadership qualities.

Being named captain is a natural evolution in Jordan Eberle's career, as he has been an alternate captain for most of his hockey career. From junior days with the Regina Pats to time with the Edmonton Oilers, now with the Kraken, he has shown steady presence and commitment to his teams. Still the leader both on and off the ice, officially getting the "C" prior to the new season was merely a nominal next step for Eberle.