The Seattle Kraken did not have a captain last season. The team decided not to replace Mark Giordano after they traded him to Toronto in March 2022. Yesterday, there may have been an update on their next captain. Rob Simpson posted a video on twitter which appeared to show veteran, Jaden Schwartz, doing the "Captain's skate" while warming up.
Jaden Schwartz has been one of the Kraken's top players since signing with them ahead of the team's inaugural season. As a member of the Kraken, he recorded 63 points in 108 games. Along with his solid offensive play, Schwartz's work ethic and tenacity has turned him into a fantastic defensive forward as well. This two-way play from him saw him earn the second most ice-time among forwards last season.
Head coach, Dave Hakstol, has already added Schwartz to his leadership group, as assistant captain for both season's the pair have been together. Hakstol has had many positive things to say about Schwartz and the two-way game he presents. In an interview for NHL.com, Hakstol said "For me, a lot of (his skill) comes back to competitiveness and just an overall intelligence and hockey sense... He's a hockey player...But you know, the competitiveness filters through to a 200-foot game for him."
There has been no official word from Hakstol and the Kraken on when they will announce a captain, if that is indeed their plan. If that video is any indication, it may be sooner than we think.
