Dan Bylsma out, Hakstol forgotten but Kraken keep firing coaches instead of fixing the real problem
Dan Bylsma out as Kraken head coach; Jason Botterill steps in as GM (Image via: Getty Images)
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
Gotta See It: Lehner waves at fan, gets pulled, stares down Bylsma
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?
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
35 & Earning? Protect Your Family with ₹1 Cr Life Cover
ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan
Get Quote
Undo
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.
Also Read:
Anthony Stolarz brutal attack on Ridly Greig exposes NHL's double standard
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.
Get the latest
IPL 2025
updates on
Times of India
, including
match schedules
,
team squads
,
points table
and
IPL live score
for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Don't miss the list of players in the race for
IPL Orange Cap
and
IPL Purple cap
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
10 hours ago
- Economic Times
Panthers vs Oilers: Panthers beat Oilers 5-2 in Game 5, inch closer to 2nd successive Stanley Cup title
Reuters The Florida Panthers' remarkable road record in these playoffs improved to 10-3. They now have the opportunity to secure the Stanley Cup at home in Sunrise during Game 6 on Tuesday night. (Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images) Brad Marchand netted two goals, while Sam Bennett recorded his 15th goal of the playoffs, leading the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 on Saturday night in Edmonton, bringing them closer to their second consecutive Stanley Cup Panthers' remarkable road record in these playoffs improved to 10-3. They now have the opportunity to secure the Cup at home in Sunrise during Game 6 on Tuesday night. Unlike previous matches in the final, Panthers established and maintained a substantial lead. Sergei Bobrovsky demonstrated solid performance, saving 19 of 21 shots, supported by effective defensive play that restricted the Oilers' movement. The offensive contributions came from Marchand, Bennett and Sam Reinhart. Marchand achieved a notable milestone, joining Mario Lemieux as the only players in 50 years to score five-plus goals in multiple finals, while accumulating 13 career final goals, the highest among current players. Connor McDavid scored his first goal of the series after the Oilers fell 3-0 behind. Reinhart responded 46 seconds afterwards, restoring Panthers' three-goal advantage. Corey Perry's goal with 3:13 remaining proved Luostarinen confirmed the victory with an empty-net goal at 1:19, quietening the home Oilers' power play was unsuccessful in three attempts, as Panthers' aggressive penalty kill disrupted McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and their primary unit's usual effectiveness. Calvin Pickard experienced his first defeat in eight starts this spring, conceding four goals from 18 shots. He replaced Stuart Skinner after winning Game 4 as a substitute, moving his record to 7-1 from 7-0.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Brad Marchand torches Edmonton Oilers in game 5 as Florida Panthers move one win from Stanley Cup redemption
Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images The Florida Panthers just keep finding ways to respond. After a wild collapse in Game 4, they came out in Game 5 and left no doubt. With a steady mix of veteran leadership, timely offense, and lockdown defense, Florida took down the Edmonton Oilers 5–2 on Saturday night — moving within one win of a second straight Stanley Cup title. Brad Marchand scored twice, Sam Bennett kept up his playoff tear, and Sergei Bobrovsky was steady when it mattered most. Brad Marchand's historic night, a shutdown on McDavid, and a ruthless Panthers penalty kill push Florida to the edge of Stanley Cup glory Game 5 felt different from the start. The Florida Panthers didn't just jump out to a lead — they protected it and built on it. Marchand lit the spark with two goals, tying a Finals feat only Mario Lemieux had matched in the last 50 years: scoring five or more goals in multiple championship series. With 13 career goals in the Final, no active player has more. Sam Bennett added his league-best 15th of the playoffs to help Florida build a 3–0 cushion. The Oilers finally got a pulse when Connor McDavid scored his first goal of the series — but Florida punched right back. Just 46 seconds later, Sam Reinhart answered, killing any momentum Edmonton hoped to gain. The Panthers' defense clamped down after that. Edmonton had a few flashes, but their top guns — McDavid, Leon Draisaitl , and the rest of the power play unit — never found rhythm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Machala: Inicia hoy con Amazon CFD y construye un segundo ingreso. Empezar ahora Registrarse Undo Florida's penalty kill was aggressive and smart, forcing mistakes and keeping the Oilers 0-for-3 on the man advantage. Bobrovsky didn't face a barrage but did what he had to, stopping 19 of 21 shots. The only real push from Edmonton came too late, with Corey Perry scoring with just over three minutes left before Eetu Luostarinen sealed it with an empty-netter. Now up 3–2 in the series, Florida returns home for Game 6 with a chance to close things out in front of their fans. The Panthers have now won 10 road games this postseason, but Tuesday night offers a shot at something even sweeter — lifting the Cup in their own building. With Marchand rolling, Bennett finishing, and Bobrovsky locked in, the title is within reach. Also Read: NHL MVP Showdown: Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor Hellebuyck clash for 2025 Hart Trophy ahead of Game 4
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Panthers vs Oilers: Panthers beat Oilers 5-2 in Game 5, inch closer to 2nd successive Stanley Cup title
Brad Marchand netted two goals, while Sam Bennett recorded his 15th goal of the playoffs, leading the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 on Saturday night in Edmonton, bringing them closer to their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. The Panthers' remarkable road record in these playoffs improved to 10-3. They now have the opportunity to secure the Cup at home in Sunrise during Game 6 on Tuesday night. — NHL (@NHL) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lookup Your Name. Claim up to £5,928! Scan and Claim Get Now Undo Unlike previous matches in the final, Panthers established and maintained a substantial lead. Sergei Bobrovsky demonstrated solid performance, saving 19 of 21 shots, supported by effective defensive play that restricted the Oilers' movement. The offensive contributions came from Marchand, Bennett and Sam Reinhart . Marchand achieved a notable milestone, joining Mario Lemieux as the only players in 50 years to score five-plus goals in multiple finals, while accumulating 13 career final goals, the highest among current players. Live Events — NHL (@NHL) Connor McDavid scored his first goal of the series after the Oilers fell 3-0 behind. Reinhart responded 46 seconds afterwards, restoring Panthers' three-goal advantage. Corey Perry's goal with 3:13 remaining proved insufficient. Eetu Luostarinen confirmed the victory with an empty-net goal at 1:19, quietening the home supporters. The Oilers' power play was unsuccessful in three attempts, as Panthers' aggressive penalty kill disrupted McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and their primary unit's usual effectiveness. Calvin Pickard experienced his first defeat in eight starts this spring, conceding four goals from 18 shots. He replaced Stuart Skinner after winning Game 4 as a substitute, moving his record to 7-1 from 7-0.
