In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the NHL, the Seattle Kraken announced the firing of head coach Dan Bylsma just one year into his tenure. The decision comes after a disappointing season in which the Kraken finished with a 35-41-6 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The announcement was made on Monday, April 21, 2025, by the team, which is now looking to make significant changes to its coaching staff and management.
Bylsma, who previously led the Coachella Valley Firebirds to back-to-back Calder Cup Finals, was brought on board amidst high expectations. However, the Kraken regressed under his leadership, dropping from 81 points the previous season to just 76 this year. General Manager Ron Francis expressed gratitude for Bylsma's contributions, stating, "We thank Dan for his commitment and the energy he brought to our organization over the past four years at the NHL and AHL levels. After a thorough review of the season and our expectations for next year and beyond, we’ve made the difficult decision to move in a different direction behind the bench."
Francis, who has been at the helm of the Kraken since their inception, is also expected to transition into a new role as team president. The Kraken are reportedly promoting assistant general manager Jason Botterill to fill the GM position, marking a significant shift in the team's management structure. Botterill, who previously managed the Buffalo Sabres from 2017-2020, will now be tasked with rebuilding a roster that has struggled to find elite talent.
Bylsma's firing is part of a larger trend in the NHL, as he becomes the third coach to be let go in recent days, following the dismissals of Greg Cronin from the Anaheim Ducks and Peter Laviolette from the New York Rangers. The Kraken's decision reflects a growing impatience among teams to achieve immediate success in a league where only 10 coaches have lasted more than two years in their roles.
During his time with the Kraken, Bylsma's aggressive coaching style led to a higher goal-scoring average, but it also resulted in the team allowing an average of 3.2 goals per game, ranking ninth in the league. This defensive vulnerability ultimately contributed to their inability to secure a playoff spot. Bylsma, who won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, was looking to replicate that success in Seattle but faced challenges in his third head-coaching role in the NHL.
Assistant coach Jessica Campbell, who made history as the first woman working full-time behind an NHL bench, will remain with the team as they search for a new head coach. Campbell played a crucial role in overseeing the Kraken's power play, which finished ranked 17th among 32 teams this season. Her retention signals the team's commitment to maintaining a diverse coaching staff as they navigate this transition.
The Kraken's management is scheduled to hold a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 2025, to discuss the changes and outline their vision for the future. The timing of Bylsma's firing coincides with the Firebirds' playoff run, as they embark on their third consecutive Calder Cup playoff journey, beginning with a home game against Calgary.
As the Kraken look to turn the page and revitalize their franchise, the focus will be on how Botterill and the new coaching staff can address the team's shortcomings. With the pressure mounting to deliver results, the upcoming offseason will be critical for the organization as they aim to return to playoff contention.
