BREAKING: Seattle Kraken Have Fired Head Coach Dave Hakstol
Seattle Kraken Fire Head Coach Dave Hakstol After Three Seasons
The Seattle Kraken have made the decision to part ways with head coach Dave Hakstol, a move that comes as a slight surprise given his contributions to the team’s success. Hakstol led the Kraken to their first playoff appearance in their inaugural season and went on to win a series against the 2021-22 Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche.
However, the team’s performance in the 2023-24 season was a disappointment, missing the playoffs and finishing sixth in the eight-team Pacific Division with a 34-35-13 record. Kraken General Manager Ron Francis expressed gratitude for Hakstol’s hard work and dedication to the franchise, stating, “I thank Dave for his hard work and dedication to the Kraken franchise.
To our first-ever head coach, thank you.
“Dave is a good coach and a terrific person. We wish him and his family all the best.” -General Manager Ron Francis pic.twitter.com/iHLh3q6mWu— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) April 29, 2024
Following our end-of-the-season review, we have decided to make a change at our head coach position. These decisions are never easy, but we feel that this is a necessary step to help ensure our team continues to improve and evolve”1.Hakstol’s tenure with the Kraken will come to an end before the extension he signed last summer takes effect, binding him to the team until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
The Kraken have commenced their search for a new head coach and will keep the public informed of any developments. The decision to fire Hakstol comes after a comprehensive evaluation of the team’s performance, with Francis stating that the team needs to make a change to support their ongoing progress and development.
The Kraken’s assistant coach, Paul McFarland, will also not return next season2.The search for a new head coach is underway, with names such as Dan Bylsma, who has had success coaching the team’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, being mentioned as a potential candidate.
The Kraken will conduct a coaching search that could extend beyond the NHL playoffs depending on whether prospective candidates are employed by teams still playing.
