Seattle Kraken Should Not Name A New Captain, Yet
The Argument Against It
Where there is an argument for, there is always an equally as strong argument against. There is no rule that says a team must have a captain. But having a captain is a long-standing hockey tradition. It’s hard to stray from tradition.
This is not an easy job or one to be taken lightly. While he may not be the most skilled player on the roster, he is often the most respected. The captain represents his team both on and off the ice.
He must be confident because the way he carries himself could be the strength or weakness of his team. The captain sets the example and drives the energy of the game. He is the one who builds a strong foundation for the rest of his team. He cannot waiver.
The Seattle Kraken haven’t had very much consistency in their short time as an NHL team. Naming a captain with strong alternates behind him could give the Kraken players something they severely lacked last season. This will be another season with plenty of learning curves. Many players will need to “grow up” at the NHL level.
With up-and-comers like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright likely joining the team full time, the Seattle Kraken youngsters will benefit from having a strong and self-assured leader. They need a reassuring voice to guide them during times when they are doubtful or feel uncertain.
Seattle has something to build on from last year, but with so many new faces joining the fold, the one thing this team really needs going forward is stability. Having a rotating team of alternate captains may not offer them the dependability they really need.