Seattle, Washington – The Seattle Kraken have decided to part ways with head coach Dan Bylsma after just one season with the team. Bylsma was let go after leading the Kraken to a disappointing 35-41-6 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season and finishing 20 points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Kraken general manager Ron Francis expressed his gratitude for Bylsma’s dedication and work ethic during his time with the organization. However, after a thorough evaluation of the team’s performance and future expectations, the decision was made to make a coaching change for the upcoming season.
This decision marks the third head coach the Kraken will be searching for in as many seasons, following the dismissal of Dave Hakstol the previous offseason. Bylsma, who previously coached both the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins, achieved notable success during his time with the Penguins, winning the Stanley Cup in the 2008-09 season.
Before joining the Kraken, Bylsma spent two seasons as the head coach of the team’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Now, Seattle joins other NHL teams in the search for a new head coach during the offseason. Recently, the Vancouver Canucks declined to exercise the option on coach Rick Tocchet, offering him a new contract in hopes of retaining him.
In addition to the coaching changes in Seattle, the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks also made coaching adjustments over the weekend, firing Peter Laviolette and Greg Cronin, respectively. The NHL offseason is shaping up to be a period of transition for several teams as they seek new leadership for the upcoming season.