Why the Seattle Kraken's captaincy remains unfilled

Imagine this dream scenario. It's June 2025, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman steps onto the ice at Climate Pledge Arena (pause for rapturous booing). The Kraken have shocked the hockey world by winning the Stanley Cup. Bettman hands the trophy touhhmm. Oh right, the Kraken don't have a team captain. They haven't had one since 55 games into their inaugural season when defenseman Mark Giordano was traded to Toronto. Since then, management has rotated duties among four alternate captains: Adam Larsson, Yanni Gourde, Jordan Eberle, and Jaden Schwartz. All of whom are NHL vets, with Larsson being the youngest of that quartet at a sprightly 31.

Seattle's Bold Choice: No Captain

Seattle didn't assign the «C» for the 2022-23 season, won 46 games, and dethroned the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche in the playoffs. Seattle didn't assign the «C» for 2023-24, couldn't whack a beach ball into Puget Sound (or a puck into the net), and missed the playoffs by 18 points. So the effects of choosing a leadership group vs. an individual captain aren't clear-cut.

Maybe there's a commonality among the Kraken and four of the other NHL teams - Anaheim, Buffalo, Chicago, and Utah - currently without a captain. None of the five made the playoffs last year. All five are teams in transition, waiting for a young star on whom to pin the «C.»

Captaincy Could Follow Contract for Beniers

Much Kraken speculation has centered on Matty Beniers eventually being their captain. Beniers is talented, charismatic, responsible, home-grown, and team-first in that uniquely hockey way. But he's also been in the league little more than two years; the 2023 Calder Trophy winner won't turn 22 until November.

As in all things Ron Francis, the Kraken GM wouldn't burden any young player with undue obligations. That patience has proven wise; Beniers had all he could handle last season being the target of opposing defenses. Not to mention the stress of being in a contract year, with negotiations on a new deal currently underway.

NHL captains provide leadership both on and off the ice. They're a liaison between players and management, represent the franchise at public functions, settle disputes within the ranks, aid with personal issues, dish out tongue-lashings when necessary, and motivate by example. During games, the player wearing the «C» on his sweater takes ceremonial puck-drops, is allowed to enter discussions with referees and linespersons (whether they listen is another matter entirely) - and they're first to receive and hoist the Stanley Cup.

They are the face of the franchise, both on and off the ice. Once Beniers' contract is settled, Matty could be the choice. Or it could be one of the leadership group. Or, again this season, the team with «Sea» in its name might have no one with a «C» next to his name.