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The Seattle Kraken, coming off a challenging 34-35-13 season in 2023-24, are poised to shake things up with their latest coaching hire.
According to reports from Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff, the Kraken are on the verge of naming Dan Bylsma as the second head coach in franchise history. This news follows an announcement from the team on their official platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), revealing a scheduled news conference for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. local time, promising a “special announcement.”
At 53 years old, Bylsma brings a wealth of experience and success to the table. He notably guided the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup victory in 2009, stepping in as head coach with just 25 games remaining in the season. His coaching prowess was further recognized with the Jack Adams Trophy in 2011, acknowledging him as the league’s top coach. Throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh, Bylsma amassed an impressive record of 320 wins, 190 losses, and 55 ties.
Taking the helm of the Kraken, Bylsma inherits a roster brimming with talent. Despite their recent struggles, Seattle remains a team with potential, having made a playoff appearance just one year prior. Under the guidance of inaugural coach Dave Hakstol, the Kraken even earned Jack Adams Trophy votes, highlighting their competitive spirit and the foundation upon which Bylsma will build.
As the Emerald City prepares to welcome its newest bench boss, let’s delve into what makes Dan Bylsma the right fit for the Kraken and what fans can expect from his leadership moving forward.
Why did the Kraken reportedly hire Dan Bylsma as new coach?
Bylsma’s appointment as head coach undoubtedly reflects his impressive track record, with past achievements often serving as indicators of future success.
Yet, what sets Bylsma apart is his intimate familiarity with the inner workings of the Kraken organization. Over the last two seasons, he helmed the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate. During his tenure, the Firebirds made significant strides, culminating in a memorable run to the Calder Cup Finals in 2023, where they narrowly missed clinching the championship against the Hershey Bears in a seven-game showdown. The Firebirds continued their playoff success in 2024, advancing to the Western Conference playoffs and now gearing up for a decisive series against the Milwaukee Admirals.
This trajectory mirrors Bylsma’s early career in Pittsburgh, where he transitioned from coaching Wilkes Barre/Scranton, the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, to leading the NHL squad. Notably, Bylsma demonstrated a keen eye for player development, nurturing the talents of iconic figures like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Jordan Staal, and James Neal.
Such expertise in cultivating young talent bodes well for the Kraken, who boast promising prospects like Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Jani Hyman in their system, signaling a strategic shift towards a youthful core.
Bylsma’s strategic acumen has already left an impression on a significant portion of the Kraken roster, positioning him ideally to guide the team through a transformative period. With foundational pieces in place and veterans like Jared McCann, Oliver Bjorkstand, and Vince Dunn leading the charge, the Kraken have demonstrated their potential, evidenced by their recent 100-point campaign. A change in leadership under Bylsma’s stewardship could be the catalyst needed for the NHL’s youngest franchise to assert its presence in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.