Dan Bylsma has been named the new head coach of the Seattle Kraken but remains committed to leading the Coachella Valley Firebirds in their pursuit of the Calder Cup. Bylsma's successful tenure in the AHL, where he developed young talent and created a winning environment, impressed Seattle's management. He aims to bring his refined coaching skills back to the NHL, having previously won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh and the Jack Adams Award.
The Seattle Kraken promoted Dan Bylsma to head coach, replacing Dave Hakstol after a disappointing season. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggests the coaching change was influenced by the potential return of the NBA's Seattle Sonics, as the Kraken aim to strengthen their position in the market before the Sonics' possible arrival. Speculation about NBA expansion to Seattle has intensified, with the Kraken's Climate Pledge Arena being a likely venue for the new team.
New Seattle Kraken coach Dan Bylsma has mentioned Jessica Campbell, currently an assistant with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, as a candidate for a similar role with the Kraken. If hired, Campbell would become the first woman to serve as a coach behind an NHL bench. Campbell has been instrumental in the Firebirds' recent successes, and her potential addition to the Kraken's coaching staff is being considered to complement Bylsma and current assistants Jay Leach and Dave Lowry.
Dan Bylsma has been named the new head coach of the Seattle Kraken, replacing Dave Hakstol. Bylsma, who previously won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, will return to the NHL after last coaching the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016-17 season. He has spent the past two seasons coaching the Kraken's AHL affiliate, Coachella Valley, and will continue in that role through the playoffs. Bylsma's familiarity with the Kraken's players and staff is expected to be an advantage as he takes on his new role.
Grand Haven native Dan Bylsma is set to be named the head coach of the Seattle Kraken, with a formal announcement expected Tuesday. Bylsma, who has a long history as both a player and coach, previously led the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup and has most recently been coaching the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The Seattle Kraken have appointed Dan Bylsma as their new head coach, replacing Dave Hakstol. Bylsma, who previously coached the Kraken's AHL affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds, brings a wealth of experience including a Stanley Cup win with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His main challenge will be to enhance the team's offensive capabilities and build a successful coaching staff.
The Seattle Kraken have appointed Dan Bylsma as their new head coach, replacing Dave Hakstol. Bylsma, a 2009 Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has been coaching the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken's AHL affiliate, and has a proven track record of developing talent. His main task will be to improve the Kraken's offensive performance.
