Who should be the Kraken’s next Captain? – Part 1: The Case for Yanni Gourde

Yanni Gourde looks on before a March 30 Seattle Kraken game against the Vegas Golden Knights. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

One of the most talked about topics this off-season for Kraken fans, and arguably the most talked about since the 2022 Trade Deadline, is who will be The Seattle Kraken’s second Captain in franchise history. After Mark Giordano was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in March, people have made a lot of cases for players such as Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde, Jared McCann, and Jaden Schwartz, to name a few.

Despite it being the obvious choice during the expansion draft, the debate for whom should wear the “C” next is a tricky one, with many factors such as fan favorites, experience, on/off ice performances, and the responsibility that comes with the letter. After reading up on the debate in the “Twitter-verse” and speaking to fellow Kraken fans, here is my case for why Yanni Gourde should be the next Kraken Captain.

My Case for Yanni Gourde:

Fan favorite Yanni Gourde seems like a very obvious choice. For one, there’s the fact that Gourde came to Seattle after just winning Back to Back Stanley Cup titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning, being part of Tampa’s infamous third line that was the X-Factor in both Cup runs. Also, he had the luxury of having incredible leadership examples before coming to Seattle, such as Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, and Ryan McDonagh.

He’s a very valuable asset to any team he plays for. His on-ice presence is a big one, being known as an incredible forechecker and a pest to opposing goaltenders and defensemen. While also constantly creating scoring opportunities for him or his teammate, Below is a perfect example of how Yanni Gourde is a relentless forechecker and never backs down from a fight, smiling during the entire scrap.

What impressed Kraken Head coach Dave Hakstol about Gourde the most is how “Yanni drags guys into the fight,” which Hakstol had mentioned several times throughout this past season. That phrase is less about being able to drop the gloves with anyone – which Kraken fans are fully aware Gourde is willing to do – and instead squarely motivational for teammates. “To go out and make the right play – finishing the hit, going to the front of the net, getting cross-checked [drawing a penalty whistled on an opponent. Sometimes it’s hard, but guys notice and do it too. They follow up Gourde’s lead.”

Fans have many reasons to love him, and his first season in Seattle was a clear success as he finished 2nd in Seattle’s scoring (21 goals and 27 assists) and averaged 18 and a half minutes per game. He’s grown in his game and adapted well to his new role in Seattle since donning the “A” for Seattle alongside Jordan Eberle, Jaden Schwartz, and Adam Larsson. The smooth transition from Tampa, plus his contagious energy and fiery grit, makes him a very strong candidate to be the Kraken’s next Captain.

Who do you think should be named the Kraken’s next Captain? Do you agree with Yanni Gourde being the most viable candidate, or if you think it should be someone else? Drop your opinion below in the comments and start dusting off your Kraken gear because the season is right around the corner!

Stanley Cup Aspirations Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

The boys are back after a long break but have plenty to talk about as the playoffs are in full swing. We go series by series, looking at how teams have fared so far and who will come out on top. Thanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.
  1. Stanley Cup Aspirations
  2. The Final Countdown
  3. Here Come the Playoffs
  4. Home Stretch
  5. Kevy Cooks

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Nick Krell

Born in Florida and raised in New England, Nick is an avid sports fan and athlete, having competed in several US States and in Europe, winning State Cup in soccer in CT. His love for hockey developed in his early teens supporting local Dartmouth College Hockey. His world experience from living in 4 different states and 2 Continents provides a unique insight into Sports culture around the world.

2 thoughts on “Who should be the Kraken’s next Captain? – Part 1: The Case for Yanni Gourde

  1. Yanni has two Stanley cups. He came to Seattle and watching him talking to his line mates on the ice and off tells me he’s in this 100%. He also is talking strategy with other players. He’s in the game and is always being positively reinforcing to the other players and motivating them.He sees the entire ice. He definitely is not afraid to drop the gloves with anyone to get things going. His selflessness speaks volumes. He can have fun with his team and enjoy the victories, but he maintains a steady, humble but strong presence that keeps the team on an even level. And he can pester the heck out of the other team😊

  2. I feel it should be between Gourde and Eberle, but I lean to Eberle. Throughout the last season he was chosen to speak for the team and represent the team (Kraken’s first All-star, Gio’s 1000th game watch presentation, final game speech, etc.). But he also has the leadership experience Yanni doesn’t. He wore the “A” for five seasons with Edmonton and now with Seattle. This is Yanni’s first year wearing a letter. Yeah, Gourde has won two cups, but Ebs also almost made the final with the Islanders and was an integral part of that run. Honestly though, I wouldn’t be surprised if they forego choosing a captain this year and just rely on the four alternates they have. Guess we’ll see! Go Kraken!

Leave a Reply

Montreal Canadiens Re-Sign Jakub Dobes

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed goaltender Jakub Dobes to a two-year, one-way contract with an AAV of $965,000. This deal carries him through the 2026-27 season. Dobes played in 30 games last season, splitting his time between the Laval Rocket and Montreal Canadiens. He began the season in Laval, where he went 9-3-1 with a […]

Read More
Steve Yzerman, General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings

Yzerman: This Red Wings Team ‘Can Take a Step’

The Detroit Red Wings currently have $12.09 million in salary cap space after the team acquired goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks and acquired free agent left-winger James van Riemsdyk recently. According to general manager Steve Yzerman, the team will likely stand pat right now despite having this amount of cap space. The fact […]

Read More
Tanner Jeannot of the Los Angeles Kings

Player Profile: Tanner Jeannot

Tanner Jeannot was born on May 29, 1997, in Estevan, Saskatchewan. The left-shooting forward played for three seasons with the Estevan Bruins from 2010-13. In his first two seasons with the U15 club, Jeannot scored 29 goals and collected 18 assists in 42 games and five goals and three assists in ten postseason games. Jeannot […]

Read More