Yanni Gourde Named First Captain

Lore & Background

Gourde's tenure as captain was defined by his quiet intensity and ability to elevate those around him on the ice. He served during a critical developmental phase where the Kraken were establishing their identity in the Pacific Division. His leadership style emphasized accountability and hard work, setting a tone that would influence the franchise's future. Gourde remains the only captain in Kraken history, making his time as captain a foundational chapter in the short but storied history of the franchise.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed low over the KeyArena ice as Yanni Gourde skated to center circle, his stick tapping rhythmically against the surface. The weight of the letter 'C' on his chest felt heavier than any jersey before; it was not just fabric, but a promise to a city that had waited decades for this moment. He looked out at the stands, filled with fans wearing teal and grey, realizing he wasn't just leading a team, but stewarding a new legacy. With a deep breath, he signaled his linemates, ready to write the first chapter of Kraken leadership.

Reader's Guide

The record for 'First Captain' is held exclusively by Yanni Gourde, established at the start of the 2021-22 NHL season. Prior to this appointment, the Seattle Kraken played their entire inaugural 2021-22 season without a named captain, relying on an alternative leadership structure involving alternate captains. This made Gourde's selection historically significant as he became the first player in franchise history to officially wear the 'C'. Gourde served in this role for one full season before transitioning out of the position following his trade to the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2021-22 season. His tenure set a precedent for future leadership selections, emphasizing character and two-way play over pure offensive output. The record stands as a fixed point in Kraken history, distinguishing the era of their expansion infancy from their subsequent growth.

Did You Know?

• The Seattle Kraken played their entire inaugural season (2021-22) without naming an official captain.
• Yanni Gourde was named captain for the 2022-23 season, not the inaugural season.
• Gourde's appointment came after General Manager Ron Francis sought a veteran leader to stabilize the young roster.

Junior Dominance and Early Recognition

Yanni Gourde's hockey journey began in Quebec, where he honed his skills through local tournaments before advancing to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. His time with the Victoriaville Tigres marked a period of exponential growth, evolving from a rookie with limited production into an offensive powerhouse. By his final season in 2011–12, Gourde had transformed into the league's premier talent, tallying an impressive 37 goals and 87 assists for 124 points across 68 games. This statistical explosion earned him the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the QMJHL's top scorer and the Michel Brière Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player. Furthermore, his exceptional play secured him a spot on the First All-Star Team, cementing his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Canadian junior hockey before he transitioned to professional ranks.

The Grind Through Minor Leagues

Before establishing himself in the NHL, Gourde navigated a challenging path through various minor league systems. His professional journey started with an amateur tryout for the Worcester Sharks in 2012, followed by stints with their ECHL affiliate, the San Francisco Bulls, and later the Kalamazoo Wings. Despite these stops, his persistent scoring ability eventually drew renewed interest from the Sharks, leading to a successful professional tryout where he maintained a point-per-game pace. However, it was his move to the Tampa Bay Lightning's organization that truly accelerated his career. Playing for their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, Gourde dominated offensively, earning AHL Player of the Month honors in November 2014 and leading the team in power-play goals. His consistent high-level performance in the minors laid the essential groundwork for his eventual promotion to the NHL stage.

NHL Breakthrough and Championship Glory

Gourde's ascent to the National Hockey League was a gradual process involving multiple call-ups from Syracuse before he secured a permanent roster spot with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He made his official NHL debut in December 2015, contributing an assist immediately upon entering the league. His breakthrough moment arrived on March 11, 2017, when he scored his first career NHL goal against the Florida Panthers while playing shorthanded, a rare feat that placed him among elite company within the franchise. Following this milestone, Gourde became an integral part of the Lightning's core, helping the team secure back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively was vital during these title runs, proving his value as a key component of one of the league's most successful teams.

Franchise Loyalty and Expansion Draft

Following his second championship victory in 2021, Gourde faced a significant career crossroads when he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL expansion draft. This move marked the beginning of a four-season chapter with the new franchise, where he served as an experienced leader during their formative years. Despite this departure from his original home, his connection to Tampa Bay remained strong. In 2025, after several seasons in Seattle, Gourde was traded back to the Lightning, reuniting him with the organization that originally developed him and with whom he had won two Stanley Cups. This return highlighted a unique narrative of loyalty and cyclical career movement, bringing his journey full circle as he rejoined the team where he first tasted major professional success.