For weeks, there have been rumors about potential candidates to become the Seattle Kraken’s first coach. The new NHL expansion team announced their choice on Thursday, and it was a candidate no one knew was even on the list: Maple Leafs assistant coach Dave Hakstol.
“It is an honor to be the first head coach of the Seattle Kraken,” Hakstol said in a team statement. “I am honored to be joining this tremendous group of staff and fans. When I first saw the arena, I was blown away — it is such a unique venue. I am looking forward to being a part of the group that builds a team that plays with pride, passion and selflessness for the city of Seattle.”
Hakstol was not originally thought to be among the coaches Kraken general manager Ron Francis was considering. Higher-profile candidates such as Rod Brind’Amour, Bruce Boudreau, Travis Green, Joel Quenneville, Gerard Gallant, John Tortorella, and Mike Babcock were among those speculated.
“I am incredibly proud to announce Dave Hakstol as the first Head Coach of the Seattle Kraken franchise,” Francis said in a team statement. “Dave possesses great experience, a strong work ethic, a solid technical understanding of the game, and the remarkable ability to communicate clearly and effectively. I look forward to working with Dave as we strive to build a team our fans will be proud of.”
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Most recently, Hakstol had been an assistant with the Maple Leafs, working to improve their defense since 2019. The 52-year-old previously coached for Philadelphia for three and a half seasons for a 131-101-42 record. Throughout his tenure, he led the Flyers to two playoff campaigns.
For four years, Hakstol coached the Sioux City Musketeers, a United States Hockey League junior team. In addition, the Alberta native spent 15 seasons helming the University of North Dakota — his alma mater — before joining the Flyers.
Hakstol must now focus on bolstering up the Kraken’s roster during the July 21 expansion draft and the NHL entry draft on July 24. Seattle has the No. 2 overall pick.