In a recent announcement, the Seattle Kraken revealed their decision to name Dan Bylsma as the second head coach in franchise history. Bylsma, who has been coaching the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, for the past two seasons, will be taking over the reins from Dave Hakstol, who was recently dismissed after three seasons with the team. The move comes on the heels of the Kraken finishing the season 17 points out of a playoff spot, prompting the need for a coaching change.
Dan Bylsma first entered the NHL coaching scene in 2009 when he was hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In his first season as head coach, Bylsma led the team to a Stanley Cup victory and achieved six consecutive playoff appearances. Despite the initial success, Bylsma and the Penguins parted ways after the 2013-14 season. He later took on the role of head coach for the Buffalo Sabres in 2015-16, with the goal of ending the team’s playoff drought. However, Bylsma was relieved of his duties after just two seasons, and the Sabres continue to struggle to make the postseason.
After a brief hiatus from the NHL, Bylsma returned as an AHL assistant coach for the Kraken in the 2021-22 season. In the following year, he was promoted to head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Under Bylsma’s guidance, the Firebirds had a successful season, reaching the Calder Cup final in their first year and advancing to the Western Conference finals the following season. The team is set to kick off a seven-game series against the Milwaukee Admirals in the coming days.
The hiring of Dan Bylsma by the Seattle Kraken is part of a larger trend in the NHL coaching landscape. Several teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New Jersey Devils, have all recently made coaching changes. With the San Jose Sharks being the only team left with an open coaching position, the league is seeing a significant turnover in coaching staffs.
As Bylsma takes on the head coaching role for the Seattle Kraken, he will be tasked with the challenge of leading the team back to the playoffs. The Kraken, as the NHL’s 32nd team, will be looking to make their second postseason appearance in their young four-year history. With his previous success in the league and recent achievements with the Firebirds, there is optimism that Bylsma can guide the Kraken to success on the ice.
The appointment of Dan Bylsma as head coach of the Seattle Kraken marks a new chapter for the franchise as they aim to build a winning team. Bylsma’s coaching experience, both in the NHL and AHL, positions him well to lead the Kraken to future success. It will be interesting to see how Bylsma’s coaching style and strategies will shape the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons.
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