The Seattle Kraken have appointed Lane Lambert as their new head coach, the team announced Thursday evening. Lambert, who previously served as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders, becomes the third head coach in the Kraken’s four-year existence. General Manager Jason Botterill highlighted Lambert’s experience with championship-caliber teams as a major factor in the hire. “After an extensive search, we are thrilled to welcome Lane as our head coach,” Botterill said. “We considered many candidates, but Lane’s plan and perspective for the team stood out during interviews. He played a key coaching role for the Capitals when they won the Stanley Cup, and the Islanders reached the Eastern Conference Finals two years in a row. We are confident that Lane will guide our team successfully from behind the bench.”
Lambert’s previous head coaching role was brief with the Islanders from 2022 to 2024, leading New York to a 42-31-9 record in his first season. However, he was let go 45 games into his second season while holding a 19-15-11 record. In Seattle, Lambert replaces Dan Bylsma, who was dismissed after just one season with a 35-41-6 record.
Elsewhere in NHL coaching news, the Chicago Blackhawks have brought in former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, the Vancouver Canucks have promoted assistant coach Adam Foote, and Rick Tocchet will be returning to the Philadelphia Flyers coaching staff.
Track all latest coaching changes at CBS Sports as teams continue filling their vacancies.
Fan Take: This coaching shuffle is significant for hockey fans as it signals a fresh start for the Kraken, a young franchise looking to build a competitive identity. Lambert’s blend of experience with winning teams could inject new energy and strategy into Seattle, potentially shaping its future success and influencing coaching trends across the NHL.
