I'm a little surprised that
Metropolitans wasn't one of the names considered since there is a historic connection to it. Seattle Metropolitans is the first American team name engraved on the Stanley Cup. That's not to say the other names weren't good but it seemed like Metropolitans would at least be a name worth consideration along with the others.
Does it really make sense to call the team the Mets? When you factor in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, and even MLS I think it's best to name the team something unique from the other pro teams.
Jets - NY or Winnipeg
Rangers - NY or Texas
Giants - NY or SF
Kings - LA or Sacramento
Panthers - Carolina or Florida
You call them the Metropolitans and it will be NY or Seattle.
Of the 13 names:
Eagles - are we talking Philly or Seattle?
Cougars - no other pro team uses it, but soooo many colleges uses it. Not very unique
Emeralds - ok. Almost like the Texans since it's the Emerald City. Like calling a team Toronto Smoke (since TO is known as the big smoke)
Evergreens - ok. unique.
Firebirds - kind of close to the Thunderbirds of the WHL
Kraken - mythical creature from Greek mythology? Too unique
Renegades - not sure it fits the city
Seals - works
Sea Lions - works. Though, not sure they want to start their name with Sea like the Hawks
Sockeyes - I'd take one of the 2 above ahead of it
Totems - as long as the Native Americans have no issues with it and the logo works, it would be ok
Whales - works. but, I wonder about Van and Sea both having whale logos
Rainers - works, but the Mariners AAA team is called the Tacoma Rainiers. So, too close in vicinity
I'd throw in the
Seattle Pilots. Brewers were originally in Seattle and that's what they were called. Kind of like the Rockies of MLB using the old hockey team's name.
It would work with Boeing being a major corporation in the city, as well as the Museum of Flight being in Seattle. And Seattle is a military city.