The Seattle Kraken are shaking things up after a disappointing season, officially announcing the firing of head coach Dan Bylsma on April 21, 2025. This decision comes on the heels of the team's struggle to find success, finishing with a 35-41-6 record, which left them 20 points shy of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Bylsma’s tenure lasted just one season, and the organization is now looking to make significant changes in both coaching and management.
General Manager Ron Francis, who has been with the Kraken since their inception, expressed gratitude towards Bylsma in a statement, saying, “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 noted Bylsma's role in developing young talent, particularly during his time leading the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he guided the team to back-to-back Calder Cup Finals.
Bylsma’s journey in the NHL has been marked by highs and lows. He won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 and was recognized as the NHL's top coach in 2011 with the Jack Adams Award. However, his recent stint with the Buffalo Sabres was less successful, leading to his eventual hiring by the Kraken. Despite optimism that Bylsma could replicate his AHL success at the NHL level, the Kraken regressed under his leadership, finishing 20 points behind their playoff position from the previous season.
In a surprising twist, it has been reported that Jason Botterill, previously the assistant general manager, will be promoted to take over as the new general manager. Botterill has been with the Kraken since 2021 and brings previous GM experience from his time with the Buffalo Sabres. Francis is also expected to transition into a president of hockey operations role, marking a significant shift in the team's leadership structure.
Assistant coach Jessica Campbell, who made history as the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NHL, has been retained amid these changes. Her continued presence on the coaching staff signals the Kraken's commitment to diversity and progressive hiring practices.
As the Kraken prepare for a crucial offseason, the organization faces the challenge of rebuilding a roster that lacks elite talent. The team has already made moves to reshape their future, trading away key players like Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde for future draft picks. With over $21.7 million in projected cap space, Botterill will have the opportunity to make substantial upgrades to the team.
Looking ahead, the Kraken are now tasked with finding Bylsma’s replacement. Several names are emerging as potential candidates, including David Carle, who has led the University of Denver to success, and Pat Ferschweiler, who recently guided Western Michigan University to an NCAA title. There’s also speculation around former NHL coaches like Peter Laviolette, who was recently let go by the New York Rangers, and other high-profile names who might be available this summer.
The Kraken's decision to part ways with Bylsma reflects the urgency within the organization to return to a competitive state. After reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season, expectations have risen, and the team has not met them in subsequent years. Francis, who received a contract extension last year after the Kraken's playoff appearance, will address the media on April 22, 2025, to discuss the future direction of the franchise.
As the news unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Kraken navigate this pivotal moment in their young history. With a new general manager and a search for a head coach underway, the franchise is poised for a transformative offseason that could redefine their trajectory in the NHL.
