Kraken becomes the only team without a captain after Utah HC named Clayton Keller

The Seattle Kraken are now the only team in the NHL without a captain after Utah HC named Clayton Keller their first-ever captain.

The Kraken selected Mark Giordano as captain in their first season, but he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. The captaincy has been vacant since then.

There have been hints of a captain being named throughout the offseason, with fans of the organization trying to predict who might be named. Some of the clear candidates include Jordan Eberle, Adam Larsson and Jared McCann, not only for their leadership qualities on and off the ice, but also for their commitment to the franchise. The dark horses include Matty Beniers and the newly signed Brandon Montour. Montour has already demonstrated excellent leadership skills and Beniers would be a choice for the future of the franchise.

Five captains were named this offseason; Radko Gudas (Anaheim Ducks), Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), Nick Foligno (Chicago Blackhawks), Clayton Keller (Utah HC) and Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning). Auston Matthews was also named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs after John Tavares presented him with the honor.

It is still unknown whether the Kraken will name a captain before the season begins, with only four days remaining until the puck drops. A decision and announcement should come soon.

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