Reaction: Jordan Eberle Is The Exact Leader The Seattle Kraken Needed After Time With Oilers, Islanders

The Seattle Kraken named veteran NHL player Jordan Eberle as their new captain, and Adam Proteau says Eberle is exactly the leader Seattle needs in its competitive stage.

It's not unusual for the NHL to have at least a team or a few that don't have a captain for the season. In fact, seeing every team have one is a little unusual in itself.

But on Tuesday afternoon, the Seattle Kraken became the last NHL team to hand out a ‘C’ when they named veteran right winger Jordan Eberle as the second captain in franchise history. The 34-year-old veteran is a solid choice to lead the Kraken as they try to evolve into a year-in, year-out Stanley Cup playoff front-runner.

For one thing, Eberle’s experience is second to none on Seattle’s team. He’s got 1,018 games of regular-season experience and another 76 playoff games under his belt between the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders and Kraken. Nobody on the Kraken can boast of that type of veteran know-how. He’s also signed for this season and next year, so he will continue to be a fixture on the team.

By the time Eberle’s current contract is up, the Kraken can turn to someone like young potential star Matty Beniers to be their long-term captain. But as Seattle works toward being a legitimate Cup threat, Eberle can help guide them in the dressing room and on the ice. It’s a wise choice by Kraken GM Ron Francis, and it allows Seattle to focus on the here and now rather than one or two years down the line.

Players Eberle’s age often bounce around the league from year to year, but if you look at his employment history, you’ll see the three NHL teams he’s played for have kept him around for lengthy stretches. In Edmonton, he was an Oiler for seven seasons. On Long Island, he was an Islander for four seasons, and in Seattle, he’s about to start his fourth season as a Kraken. That’s an indication his teams highly value the skill set he brings to the table, and his ability to mentor youngsters is exactly what the Kraken are looking for at this point in their competitive cycle.

Seattle will be in a fierce battle for a playoff berth this season, and Eberle’s cool, calm and collected nature will keep the group stable as they fight it out with their Pacific Division rivals. Giving him the captaincy is the right choice at this stage of their history, and Kraken players will benefit from his temperament and disposition.

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