Seattle Kraken Fire Coach Dan Bylsma, Promote Jason Botterill to GM

The Seattle Kraken have fired head coach Dan Bylsma after just one season, following a disappointing year in which the team finished near the bottom of the Western Conference and missed the playoffs. Bylsma, who was promoted after leading the organization’s AHL affiliate to consecutive Calder Cup Finals, saw the team improve offensively but struggle defensively and in goal, ultimately ending with fewer points than the previous season. The decision is notable because Bylsma was generally well-liked by players and had achieved several comeback wins, but the organization signaled that the overall results were not sufficient for their ambitions. Alongside the coaching change, longtime general manager Ron Francis will be promoted to president of hockey operations, with assistant GM Jason Botterill expected to take over as general manager. Assistant coach Jessica Campbell, the NHL's first full-time female assistant coach, will be retained. The Kraken will conduct a full search for a new head coach as they look to reset after their third losing season in four years.