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Seattle, WA - The Seattle Kraken announced on Monday, April 21, that Head Coach Dan Bylsma has been relieved of his duties following just one season behind the bench. The decision comes after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign in which the team finished with a 35-41-6 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.
In a press statement shared with Seattle media, Kraken General Manager Ron Francis thanked Bylsma for his contributions to the organization over the past four years.
“We thank Dan for his commitment and the energy he brought to our organization at both the NHL and AHL levels," said Francis. "After a thorough review of the season and our expectations moving forward, we’ve made the difficult decision to move in a different direction. Dan is a great person and a respected coach. He played an important role in developing many of our young prospects and was a big part of our early success in Coachella Valley. We sincerely wish him and his family nothing but success.”
Bylsma originally joined the Kraken organization as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Checkers during the team's inaugural NHL season. He went on to serve as head coach of the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds for two seasons (2022–24), guiding them to an impressive 94-32-18 regular-season record and multiple deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Calder Cup Finals.
Expectations were high when Bylsma was promoted to replace former Kraken coach Dave Hakstol in 2024. However, the team struggled with consistency and injuries throughout the season. During his exit interview following Seattle’s season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Kings, Bylsma summed up the year in two words: "Disappointment and hope." He also acknowledged that some players were unhappy with the team’s overall performance and his coaching approach.
Seattle’s 2023 playoff breakthrough now feels like a distant memory, and the franchise appears headed for another period of transition. With Bylsma’s departure, the Kraken will begin the 2025-26 season with their third head coach in just five years of NHL play.
Speculation of further organizational changes is already circulating. A source confirmed to ESPN that Assistant GM Jason Botterill is expected to be promoted to General Manager. Additionally, Assistant Coach Jessica Campbell—who made history this season as the NHL's first woman behind the bench—is expected to remain on staff.
Ron Francis is scheduled to speak to the media on Tuesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. at the Kraken Community Iceplex, where he is expected to address the coaching change and the team’s direction moving forward.
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In a press statement shared with Seattle media, Kraken General Manager Ron Francis thanked Bylsma for his contributions to the organization over the past four years.
“We thank Dan for his commitment and the energy he brought to our organization at both the NHL and AHL levels," said Francis. "After a thorough review of the season and our expectations moving forward, we’ve made the difficult decision to move in a different direction. Dan is a great person and a respected coach. He played an important role in developing many of our young prospects and was a big part of our early success in Coachella Valley. We sincerely wish him and his family nothing but success.”
Bylsma originally joined the Kraken organization as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Checkers during the team's inaugural NHL season. He went on to serve as head coach of the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds for two seasons (2022–24), guiding them to an impressive 94-32-18 regular-season record and multiple deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Calder Cup Finals.
Expectations were high when Bylsma was promoted to replace former Kraken coach Dave Hakstol in 2024. However, the team struggled with consistency and injuries throughout the season. During his exit interview following Seattle’s season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Kings, Bylsma summed up the year in two words: "Disappointment and hope." He also acknowledged that some players were unhappy with the team’s overall performance and his coaching approach.
Seattle’s 2023 playoff breakthrough now feels like a distant memory, and the franchise appears headed for another period of transition. With Bylsma’s departure, the Kraken will begin the 2025-26 season with their third head coach in just five years of NHL play.
Speculation of further organizational changes is already circulating. A source confirmed to ESPN that Assistant GM Jason Botterill is expected to be promoted to General Manager. Additionally, Assistant Coach Jessica Campbell—who made history this season as the NHL's first woman behind the bench—is expected to remain on staff.
Ron Francis is scheduled to speak to the media on Tuesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. at the Kraken Community Iceplex, where he is expected to address the coaching change and the team’s direction moving forward.
Related
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Kraken Relieve Dan Bylsma Of Head Coaching Tasks; Will Begin A Full SearchThe Seattle Kraken have relieved Dan Bylsma from his head coaching job and will begin a full search of possible candidates, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News or Join the discussion with others in your hockey community on the Seattle Kraken Forum.
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