Can Jordan Eberle’s Post-All Star Return Fuel Kraken Playoff Push?
Seattle Kraken right wing Jordan Eberle looks on during a regular season game at Climate Pledge Arena. Credit: Jennthulhu Photos
Coming out of the All-Star break, the Seattle Kraken are currently 11 points outside of the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Four other NHL teams are between the Kraken and the final spot with 25 games left to play in the regular season.
What does that mean for the Kraken? They need to make up a point in the standings every two games, essentially.
Not to mention, the NHL trade deadline is March 7. Can Seattle do enough to merit not having a firesale before then?
But when it comes to their slim playoff hopes, Seattle certainly got encouraging news this week. The Kraken recalled right winger Jordan Eberle from his conditioning loan with their AHL affiliate in Coachella on Tuesday. Eberle last played for the Kraken on November 14, when he suffered a pelvic injury crashing into the boards that required surgery. At that time, Seattle was 8-8-1.
Since he went down with that serious injury three months ago, the Kraken have gone 16-21-3 and buried themselves deeper in the playoff standings.
Eberle, a 15-year veteran, still remains on injured reserve for now. The team captain has a chance to return to action for the Kraken when they return to NHL action on February 22 in Florida against the Panthers.
Is this the spark the Kraken need to take control of their playoff destiny? Or at least, show signs of life before the trade deadline?
If the Kraken don’t come out firing after the two-week break, it’s safe to say they will sell off some pieces on expiring deals. Yanni Gourde and Bradnon Tanev are set to be free agents this offseason. If Seattle can’t get a spark going over the next couple of weeks, it’s likely one or even both are gone to a contender.
Is Eberle’s return enough to turn it around?
Even though it was a small sample size, Eberle started out this season hot. His 1.3 goals per 60 minutes through 17 games would be the second-highest of his long career. He seemed like he was rebounding from his underwhelming 2023-2024 season, benefiting from a new system with a new coaching staff.
If Eberle rejoins the team this weekend, the Kraken will have to figure out if former New York Ranger Kaapo Kakko moves off of the top line’s right wing slot. Those two manning the top two lines at right winger lengthens the depth chart for Seattle.
Kakko has 17 points in 24 games with the Kraken. Seattle acquired him from the Rangers for a third round draft pick in 2025, a sixth round draft pick in 2025, and Will Borgen. When Eberle returns, it will be the first time he and the former second overall pick Kakko will play in Seattle together, but figuring out how they will handle their lines moving forward bears watching.
Nonetheless, that strong right side should be able to generate more offense for the Kraken. Also, Eberle contributes on defense on the back end with seven takeaways in 17 games. Seattle ranks 23rd in goals allowed per game, despite Joey Daccord playing at a high level most of the season, so his return should help immensely on that front.
All in all, it might be too much for the Kraken to overcome given the other deficiencies on the team. Still, adding Eberle back to the equation with Kakko and company, they have a fighting chance to get back into the race. The first hurdle is seeing what happens ahead of the trade deadline. The goal should be to play above .500 hockey between now and the deadline to make a statement. If the Kraken stand pat, or even add to the roster, then the playoff push is on with Eberle back in uniform leading the way.
