Kraken Rumors: 3 Frontrunners for Head Coaching Job Emerge

The Seattle Kraken made a notable move at the end of the season, relieving Dave Hakstol from his head coaching duties. This came after the Kraken took a big step in the wrong direction in 2024-25. As a result, the Kraken are now on the hunt for a new bench boss.

It appears that some frontrunners for the Kraken's heading coaching gig have emerged, as NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Todd McLellan, Jay Leach, and Dan Bylsma are the favorites for the job.

McLellan, 56, was let go by the Los Angeles Kings earlier this season after the club's immense struggles in the winter. The longtime bench boss has had a solid regular-season resume in the NHL. In 1,144 games as an NHL head coach split between the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Kings, he has a 598-412-134 record.

Leach, 44, has been an assistant coach for the Kraken since their inaugural season. He has experience as a head coach, as he held the position while with the Providence Bruins. Given his connection with the organization, he certainly has a shot to land this gig with Seattle.

Bylsma has eight years of experience as an NHL head coach, but he has not been one since the 2016-17 season while with the Buffalo Sabres. In 565 career games as an NHL coach, he has a 320-190-55 record. He has been the head coach of the Coachella Valley Phantoms since 2022-23 and won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins.