NHL Coaching Carousel: Seattle Kraken Part Ways with Dan Bylsma
In a wave of coaching changes in the NHL, the Seattle Kraken have announced the dismissal of Dan Bylsma after a single season at the helm. This decision follows a disappointing campaign in which the Kraken posted a 35-41-6 record, positioning them seventh in the Pacific Division and resulting in a missed playoff opportunity for the first time since the team’s inception.
Seattle Kraken’s Coaching Change
On Monday, the Kraken’s general manager, Ron Francis, confirmed the team’s decision to seek a new head coach. He stated, “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."
Bylsma’s tenure included a challenging season that failed to meet the internal expectations set by the organization. The Kraken had presented a promising outlook at the beginning of the season, but the team struggled to maintain consistency and effectiveness on the ice. Bylsma now becomes the third head coach to be fired in the NHL since the conclusion of the regular season, following recent changes in New York and Anaheim.
New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks Also Shuffle Coaches
The New York Rangers also made headlines over the weekend, parting ways with Peter Laviolette after two seasons. Under Laviolette, the Rangers achieved a total record of 94-59-11 and reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2024. However, the 2024-25 season saw a disjointed performance after a strong start, leading to a significant decline in team performance and ultimately failing to qualify for the playoffs. Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury acknowledged Laviolette’s dedication, emphasizing his professional integrity while announcing the change.
Similarly, the Anaheim Ducks opted to release Greg Cronin after two seasons. In his first year, Cronin guided the Ducks to a dismal 27-50-5 record, but they showed minor improvements in the 2024-25 season with a 35-37-10 finish. Nonetheless, the Ducks remained far from playoff contention, finishing with 16 points below the cut-off. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek mentioned the necessity of a new voice and direction for the team as crucial in making this decision.
Implications for the Future
As the Kraken begin their search for a new head coach — marking the third leadership change in the brief history of the franchise — they will need to identify a leader who can effectively guide their young roster towards greater success. The significance of this offseason’s coaching changes is felt throughout the league, indicating a transitional phase as teams reset their strategies and ambitions for the upcoming seasons.
These developments reflect a broader trend of urgency within NHL organizations to improve performance swiftly, especially as franchises look to contend for playoff positions. Given the history of coaching changes preceding more substantial team success, the coming months will reveal the effectiveness of these strategic shifts in enhancing team performance.
The NHL coaching carousel remains in motion, with speculation continuing around potential candidates for the head coaching vacancies across the league. As more teams wrap up their seasons, further announcements could follow, indicating a significant reshaping of coaching staffs league-wide.
