The Seattle Kraken have been without Jordan Eberle since mid-November. Eberle went through pelvic surgery and has not played since November 14. The Kraken are battling for their playoff lives entering the 4 Nations break. Undoubtedly, an Eberle return would give a significant lift to this team.

Maybe Seattle is near getting its captain back. The Kraken have loaned Eberle to the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds on a molding spell, the team reported on Wednesday night. He will join a Firebirds team that sits in third place in the AHL’s Pacific Division and participate in their contest against the Henderson Silver Knights on Wednesday night.

The Kraken have battled without their captain on the ice. Seattle entered the 4 Nations break with a record of 24-29-4 on the season. The Kraken are 11 points back of the Vancouver Canucks for the final Wild Card playoff berth in the Western Conference.

How can the return of Jordan Eberle from injury help Kraken

Jordan Eberle has long been an important player for Seattle. The Seattle Kraken made him the second captain in franchise history on purpose. In 2024-25, he was well on his way to a fabulous season. He scored six goals and 11 points through 17 games before his pelvic surgery.

Whether Eberle would have proceeded with his close to point-per-game pace is up for debate. What’s unmistakable is that his offense is something this team needs. The Kraken rank 15th in Goals For Per Game, as per ESPN. Additionally, they are 23rd in goals for percentage and 14th in goals per 60 minutes at 5v5, per evolving hockey.

Seattle’s offense isn’t burdening them, per se. In any event, they absolutely could utilize some offensive reinforcement. Particularly if they have any desire to make the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2025. Eberle could give this. He was on pace for 29 goals across 82 games before the injury. He has scored 20 or more goals in two of the last three seasons, as well.

A sound Eberle makes the Kraken a better team. His return from injury will absolutely be invited by the franchise. Whether he can move them to an unrealistic playoff berth, however, is to be determined.