Dave Hakstol reveal Why the Kraken Let Go of Dave Hakstol & What Comes Next

After much speculation over the past week, Dave Hakstol, the inaugural head coach for the Seattle Kraken, was relieved of his duties on Monday, April 29th. This decision came after General Manager Ron Francis had been somewhat ambiguous about Hakstol’s future during his end-of-season media interview a week prior. Since the announcement, two significant themes have emerged.

Firstly, the Kraken’s inconsistent performance has been highlighted. Francis revealed that the decision to dismiss Hakstol and assistant coach Paul McFarland was made on Sunday morning but communicated to them the following Monday. This delay perhaps reflects the difficulty in delivering such news that affects individuals both professionally and personally. Francis justified the decision by citing numerous losing streaks throughout the season, indicating a need for a fresh approach. Notably, the team’s failure to maintain momentum, particularly evident during critical home games in March, underscored their struggles. Francis also hinted at the team’s overperformance in the previous season, suggesting a regression to a more realistic level this year, emphasizing the need to tap into the potential of younger players for future success.

Secondly, a remark made by NHL and ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan during a segment on Monday stands out. Kaplan mentioned insider information suggesting that several key players expressed reluctance to continue with the team if Hakstol remained as coach. While such claims are difficult to verify definitively, the team’s lackluster performances towards the end of the season lend credence to the idea of internal dissatisfaction. Statements from players during exit interviews, hinting at issues with team cohesion, now seem more significant in light of Hakstol’s dismissal.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to Seattle’s search for a new head coach. Francis has indicated an immediate commencement of the search, but he’s been tight-lipped about specific qualities desired in the new coach, opting to avoid comparisons with Hakstol. Speculation abounds regarding potential candidates, with names like Dan Bylsma and Rod Brind’Amour emerging as possibilities. The timing of the hiring is crucial, especially with the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, underscoring the importance of aligning coaching and player development strategies.

With the Kraken still in their infancy as a franchise, these developments make for compelling analysis. Questions about team identity and expectations gain prominence with the impending coaching transition, suggesting an eventful offseason for Seattle.