Seattle Kraken: Top 3 potential team captains they could pick

Who will get the first crack at being the first captain of the Seattle Kraken? Here are three potential options.

The Seattle Kraken will get their inaugural NHL season underway in roughly a year. Next year, they’ll have their expansion draft, the first one in the NHL since the Vegas Golden Knights joined the league in 2017. Much like the Golden Knights’ expansion draft, the rules will significantly benefit the Kraken and help them field a competitive team right off the bat.

One thing they’ll have to decide after forming their roster is who will be their first team captain. This isn’t a decision the Kraken need to rush, as the Golden Knights have still not named their first team captain in franchise history, though they will reportedly name one before the start of the 2020-21 season.

However, having a captain right off the bat is something that could benefit the Kraken. Most of the captain’s value comes off the ice, as they’re expected to be the leader of the franchise. Often times, the captain serves as the face of the franchise as well.

On the ice, the captain is the only player allowed to talk to the referees about rule interpretations. If they’re not on the ice, an alternate captain is allowed to speak. Naming a captain right away could help the Kraken create their own team culture. It would be symbolic and it would give them credibility.

Also, it’s worth pointing out that no team has ever won the Stanley Cup without a team captain. Granted, this is largely because most teams elect to have one, but it’s undeniable having a captain tends to be synonymous with winning.

Here are three potential captains they could pick in the expansion draft, ranging from the long shots to ones that make a lot more sense.