NHL Rumors: Insider names former Stanley Cup-winning coach as potential candidate for Seattle Kraken's HC role

The Seattle Kraken are in search of a new head coach after separating paths with inaugural head coach Dave Hakstol after the regular season ended. According to NHL insider Dan Mount of Last Word on Sports (LWOS), Kraken GM Ron Francis is now considering various candidates for the position. One notable name emerging in rumor circles is Dan Bylsma, a former Stanley Cup-winning coach.

Bylsma currently coaches the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and has a significant track record. He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to Stanley Cup victory in his inaugural season as head coach in 2008-09.

His success at the AHL level is also noteworthy. He's guided the Firebirds to the AHL Western Conference Final and had them compete in the Calder Cup Final in 2022-23, where they narrowly lost to the Hershey Bears in seven games.

At first, it seemed like Ron Francis had his sights set on bringing Rod Brind’Amour, whom he previously hired for the Carolina Hurricanes, into the fold. However, plans shifted when the Hurricanes decided to extend Brind’Amour's contract, prompting Francis to explore other options.

This led the Seattle Kraken GM to consider Dan Bylsma, especially considering Bylsma's recent success. Despite facing challenges in his NHL career, notably with the Buffalo Sabres, Bylsma's ability to lead and develop teams is evident.

Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus debuts in 2024 Memorial Cup

The 2024 Memorial Cup commenced with Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus and his Moose Jaw team facing off against the Saginaw Spirit, ultimately losing 5-4. This year marks Moose Jaw's first Memorial Cup appearance in their four-decade history.

The tournament, a tribute to fallen World War I soldiers, features champions from Canada's top junior leagues: Moose Jaw and Saginaw from the WHL and OHL, and London Knights and Drummondville Voltigeurs from the OHL and QMJHL, respectively.

Firkus, a standout player with 32 points in 20 postseason games, is a key figure alongside London's Easton Cowan and Calum Ritchie. This year's Memorial Cup, hosted in Saginaw, MI, is the first on U.S. soil since 1998. Notable players like Evander Kane and Taylor Hall have Memorial Cup histories, highlighting its significance as a springboard to NHL success.

The tournament schedule includes round-robin games between May 24 and May 29, followed by potential tiebreakers and semifinals leading up to the June 2 final. All matches air on NHL Network, with Moose Jaw facing London and Drummondville after their opener against Saginaw. The tiebreaker, if needed, is scheduled for May 30, and the semifinal on June 1 determines the final contender to face the top seed in the title match.