Jordan Eberle Signs Two-Year Kraken Extension

Kraken captain Jordan Eberle said Friday he didn’t have much soul searching to do when the team approached his camp over the Winter Olympic break about working out a new contract extension. 

Unlike his prior extension talks a couple of years ago, when defenseman Vince Dunn got hurt, center Alex Wennberg was traded and the Kraken were already fading in the playoff discussion, this time they’re holding the final Western Conference wild card spot by three points and Eberle, 35, himself is enjoying a huge comeback season. Throw in the roots his young family has established living on the city’s Eastside, there wasn’t much to overcome in agreeing to the two-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. 

“This year I think is a little different – we have a different team,” Eberle said after signing the deal up in general manager Jason Botterill’s office. “We’re very confident and the group that we have and the position we’ve put ourselves in. 

“As far as myself, like I said I’ve always been committed to being here,” he added. “Since day 1, really, my time here has been great. The fans, even in a tough first season they were great and they’ve been continuously great. And I think obviously the fond memories of playing in the playoffs and the energy that we had in that building I think that’s something I look forward to for this year.”

He admits it’s been a “roller coaster season” of sorts for the Kraken but is confident in the team’s direction as it prepares to cross the three-quarter mark in its schedule on Saturday night against Ottawa. He’s also confident about where things are headed in future seasons and expressed that to the Kraken ahead of the extension talks, saying he likes the ownership group and the “commitment that they have to winning.” 

Eberle has 22 goals and 20 assists in his comeback off a pelvic surgery last winter that sidelined him for three months – the majority of that spent bedridden in his home. The 22 goals with 21 games still to play are his most in eight years since he scored 25 with the New York Islanders while his 18:37 average ice time per game is his largest in 11 years since he played for the Edmonton Oilers. 

The Regina, Saskatchewan native was named the Kraken’s second captain on opening day of last season, having served as an alternate since the team’s inception. His 89 goals since joining the Kraken are second behind the 134 for Jared McCann while his 130 assists and 219 points are each third in franchise history behind McCann and Vince Dunn.  

"We're thrilled to have Jordan under contract for the next two years,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said in a release. “Jordan embodies what it means to be a Kraken, and we're glad we were able to come to terms on an extension. He continues to be a consistent point producer and a great role model for our younger players.” 

Eberle celebrated his extension by skating with his children Friday at the Kraken Community Iceplex on an off day for the team. 

“That’s one thing I love about here,” Eberle said. “My kids, not only do I get to bring them on the ice here, but they’re in the Jr Kraken program too. So, a lot of the days I get a chance to just finish practice and go watch them. I think that’s been pretty fun. I mean, two of my kids have been born here and it’s kind of just become our home, really.”