Based on a conversation Kraken General Manager Ron Francis had with Seattle Hockey Insider on Wednesday, new head coach Dan Bylsma will have the biggest say in determining the club’s new captain.
“I think it’s a discussion between the GM and the coach,” Francis said. “We’ll see how Dan feels, we’ve had some preliminary discussions. We’ll let him get into training camp here, run some practices, be on the bench for a few (preseason) games, get a feel for the team, and if he feels we have somebody there when we start the season, we’ll make that decision before the season starts.”
There is a strong likelihood that process will unfold prior to the season opener at home against the St. Louis Blues on October 8th. Only one man, defenseman Mark Giordano, has held the honor. The Kraken’s inaugural season captain played 55 games for the club before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 20, 2022. The last two seasons the team has gone with multiple veteran assistant (alternate) captains.
“It’s making sure you get the right person, not putting something on someone who’s not ready for it, or adding stress to somebody who can’t handle it,” Francis added. It’s quite an honor to be captain of a team and we want to make sure we get it right if we’re going to do that.”
The Kraken have plenty of candidates, players with loads of playing experience and many with Stanley Cup championships. Personality and the length of a player’s contract and his potential longevity with the club and in the market also factor in.
Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle would be favorites for the job, but both have just two years remaining on their deals. Just re-signed D-man Adam Larsson would seem like a good fit; he leads by example and he’s signed through 2029. Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, and even Matty Beniers, could be names that pop up for different reasons.
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