Breaking News: Seattle Kraken parts ways with head coach Dan Bylsma after four years.
Seattle Kraken Part Ways with Coach Dan Bylsma: What’s Next for the NHL Franchise?
In a surprising turn of events, the Seattle Kraken have relieved head coach Dan Bylsma of his duties. The move comes after a disappointing 2024-25 season, where the Kraken posted a 35-41-6 record.
From AHL Success to NHL Struggles
Bylsma joined the Kraken in 2024, following a successful stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate. In two seasons, he guided the Firebirds to a combined regular-season record of 94-32-18. However, his success at the NHL level did not translate, with the Kraken missing the playoffs in both of his seasons at the helm.
Kraken GM Ron Francis’ Statement
Kraken General Manager Ron Francis offered a glowing tribute to Bylsma while announcing the decision. “We thank Dan for his commitment and the energy he brought to our organization… He played an important role in the development of many of our young prospects and was a big part of our early success in Coachella Valley,” Francis said. However, he also acknowledged the need for a change, stating, “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.”
Did you know?
Bylsma is no stranger to coaching changes. He was previously fired by the Buffalo Sabres in 2015 after winning the Stanley Cup with them in 2008.
What’s Next for the Kraken?
With Bylsma’s departure, the focus now shifts to who will take over as the Kraken’s new head coach. Francis will address the media on Tuesday, April 22 at 1 p.m. local time at the Kraken Community Iceplex to discuss the decision and provide updates on the search for a new coach.
Pro Tips
- Stay Tuned: Keep an eye on 247Sports for live updates and analysis from the press conference.
- Who’s Next? Some potential candidates for the coaching position include Dave Hakstol, Lane Lambert, and bench boss of the up-and-coming Toronto Marlies, Greg Moore.
The Pressure is On
The Kraken, despite being an expansion team, have high expectations following their successful inaugural season in 2021-22, where they finished with a 46-35-11 record. However, they missed the playoffs in 2023-24 and 2024-25. The addition of new talent like Pending UFA Mitch Marner and RD promising prospect Connor Sudom in the recent draft has increased anticipation for a bounce-back season.
FAQs
- Q: Why was Dan Bylsma fired?
- A: Bylsma was relieved of his duties due to the Kraken’s underperformance during the 2024-25 season and to explore a new direction for the team.
- Q: Who will replace Dan Bylsma as the Kraken’s head coach?
- A: An announcement regarding Bylsma’s successor is expected soon, with Ron Francis set to address the media on April 22.
- Q: Can the Kraken still be competitive without Dan Bylsma?
- A: Yes, with a talented roster and a pumped-up fan base, the Kraken have the potential to return to contention with the right coaching hire.
Join the Conversation!
Who do you think should be the next head coach of the Seattle Kraken? Sound off in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #KrakenCoachingCarousal. For more exclusive content, stay tuned to 247Sports for all the latest in NHL news and analysis.