Dan Bylsma out, Hakstol forgotten but Kraken keep firing coaches instead of fixing the real problem

Another season, another big change. The Seattle Kraken have moved on from head coach Dan Bylsma after just one year, signaling yet another shift in direction. Instead of addressing the bigger challenges facing the team, the organization has opted to rearrange its leadership. Ron Francis , who has been with the Kraken since the beginning, is now President of Hockey Operations, while Jason Botterill steps in as the new general manager. With these changes, the big question remains: what is the Kraken’s long-term vision, and when will it start taking shape?



Coaches keep getting fired, but Kraken’s core issues remain





Bylsma’s dismissal comes as the Kraken missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. But blaming the coach feels more like a deflection than a solution. Bylsma was brought in with hype, fresh off back-to-back AHL Finals runs with the Coachella Valley Firebirds and brought a Stanley Cup pedigree from his Pittsburgh Penguins days. Yet, with a flawed, top-heavy roster, his first season behind the bench ended at 35-41-6. That may be disappointing, but was it fire-worthy?


Dave Hakstol, the team’s original coach, was dumped after leading the Kraken to their only playoff appearance in 2023, including a stunning series win over the Avalanche. Two coaches down, and the problem still isn’t solved. Maybe it’s not the coaches.


Ron Francis, who constructed this underperforming team, gets a promotion instead of a performance review. He’s now tasked with overseeing the big picture, even though the picture hasn’t looked promising since the inaugural puck drop. Meanwhile, Jason Botterill, whose previous GM stint with the Buffalo Sabres ended without a single playoff berth, will now try to navigate Seattle back to relevance.


New faces in power, same old problems in Seattle


Botterill says, “next season starts now.” But can Kraken fans really buy into that? With no coach in place, no star talent, and a revolving door of leadership, what exactly is the strategy?


The Kraken are at a pivotal moment. They’ve fired Dan Bylsma, elevated Ron Francis, and handed the reins to Jason Botterill. But until Seattle addresses the real issue, consistency in leadership, a clear identity on the ice, and legitimate talent development, they risk becoming what no franchise wants to be: directionless.


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Three coaches in four seasons. Constant reshuffling in the front office. A roster still searching for a franchise player. What’s next for the Seattle Kraken? Hopefully, a plan because this franchise needs more than fresh titles and empty promises. It needs results.