Veteran forward Jaden Schwartz may be in his final days as a Seattle Kraken. So while they were still able, the NHL made Seattle’s entry in this year’s “Stanley Pup” TV special Schwartz’s four-legged namesake.
The 12-week-old Labrador mix in the featured photo above is “Jaden Snorts.”
The NHL advertises “Stanley Pup” as, “A friendly competition featuring adoptable rescue dogs.” The puppies ran and jumped and barked and sniffed around a makeshift rink inside a TV studio in suburban Washington, D.C. The 90-minute event, recorded in May, featured representatives of all 32 teams and aired on TruTV in the U.S. this week.
What About Joey Dogccord, Or Barkly Catton, Or Matty Saint Beniers?
ESPN hockey writer Greg Wyshynski ranked the name “Jaden Snorts,” if you’ll pardon the expression, in the middle of the pack. “Maybe a better fit for an NHL-endorsed pig race, but still a solid pun for Jaden Schwartz.”
One former Kraken, Ryan Donato, now with the Blackhawks, also had a canine alter-ego – wait for it – “Ryan Dognato.”
As for the best and worst names, Wyshynski sent the Colorado Avalanche’s entry, “Cale Macollar” (for Cale Makar) to the doghouse. Oooh, it’s been a “ruff” last few weeks for the President’s Trophy winners.
Vancouver Canucks fans will be glad to learn that they won something this year, as the columnist designated “Zeev Boop-Em” (above image) as top dog in dog names. “Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium’s name being repurposed for a delightful nose boop is clearly the greatest Stanley Pup name of 2026.”
Back to Jaden Snorts, her actual name – yes, she’s a girl dog – is Louise. The NHL’s adoption partner, Brandywine Valley SPCA, based in Pennsylvania, describes Louise as, “Smart, eager, and attentive. Louise loves learning and bonding with everyone she meets.”
We’re happy to report that Louise will get that chance to bond; she’s already been adopted.
Kraken & City Receive High Marks From Two-Legged Schwartz
As for the actual Jaden Schwartz, he may soon get adopted, too. The about-to-be 34 year old winger and Seattle alternate captain is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Injuries limited Schwartz, an original Kraken, to just 50 games and 11 goals last season. His best offensive production came in 2024-25, when he scored 26 of his 79 career Kraken goals.
Although it’s widely believed Schwartz and the club will be amicably parting, the 15-year NHL veteran had only good things to say at his exit interview.
“I love it here in Seattle. Really grateful and thankful that I got the opportunity to come here. I’ve really enjoyed my time, met some amazing people, great teammates. I’m certainly interested in coming back here and in helping this group.”
Schwartz, who won a Stanley Cup during his decade with the St. Louis Blues, understands the realities of the hockey business. “When you aren’t winning, that’s when changes happen. It’s frustrating that we haven’t been able to, the last three years, elevate.
“You could tell that the intensity of the games picked up and the temperature of the games picked up and we weren’t able to rise to the occasion. That’s disappointing and it’s frustrating. It should make this group hungry to get back and change things around here.”
Like a dog with a bone.
Earlier Kraken:
— New Class Of Kraken Prospects Turning To Pro Ranks
