Is Dan Bylsma the right choice for the next Seattle Kraken head coach?
There are numerous coaching vacancies in the NHL this season. The Buffalo Sabres kicked things off by hiring former head coach and franchise legend Lindy Ruff, a Jack Adams Award winner.
The Ottawa Senators followed suit by hiring Travis Green, former head coach of the Vancouver Canucks and interim head coach of the New Jersey Devils.
One of the most intriguing teams in search of a coach is the Seattle Kraken. Dave Hakstol has been their only head coach in their three NHL seasons, delivering mixed results: two losing seasons and one 100-point season that included the franchise’s first playoff berth and a Jack Adams nomination.
Seattle is still seeking a new head coach, with current Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour being a standout candidate. Brind’Amour, whose contract is ending, is close to Kraken general manager Ron Francis, fueling speculation that Francis is ready to offer him a substantial contract.
Another strong candidate is Dan Bylsma, who has led the Kraken’s AHL team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, to playoff berths and a Calder Cup final. Bylsma’s reputation took a hit after a disappointing stint with the Buffalo Sabres, but he has rebuilt his standing with success in the AHL.
Hakstol’s hiring was unconventional, and Bylsma’s role with the Firebirds positioned him as a convenient replacement option if Hakstol was dismissed. Despite this, Hakstol’s success last season meant that Bylsma wasn’t needed.
Bylsma has been instrumental in developing the Kraken’s top prospects, including Shane Wright. Elliotte Friedman even speculated that Bylsma might be considered for the head coach role before Hakstol’s future was decided.
Now, with the head coach position open again, Bylsma’s resume makes him a strong candidate, though he downplayed speculation during a press conference amid Coachella Valley’s playoff run. Despite his credentials, Brind’Amour’s current success and status make him a more attractive candidate.
The Kraken might be waiting for Brind’Amour’s decision, with Bylsma as a backup plan. If Brind’Amour stays with Carolina, Bylsma is a solid, if less spectacular, alternative.
The Score ranks Seattle’s coaching job as the fourth most desirable out of six current openings, noting the team’s unclear direction as a challenge. Bylsma has experience turning teams around, as he did with the Penguins in 2008-2009, leading them to a Stanley Cup win. However, Seattle lacks the high-end talent Pittsburgh had.
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon mentioned that general manager Don Waddell and Brind’Amour are still negotiating a contract, despite playoff distractions. Brind’Amour’s deep ties to the Hurricanes make leaving a difficult decision.
Bylsma being an internal hire works in his favor, similar to the St. Louis Blues promoting Drew Bannister to replace Craig Berube, a move formalized earlier this month.
