Breaking: Seattle Kraken Make Decision on Dave Hakstol's Future
#SeaKraken confirm they have fired head coach Dave Hakstol and that assistant coach Paul McFarland will not return next season.
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) April 29, 2024
In addition to Hakstol, assistant coach Paul McFarland is also out.
Hakstol finished with a 107–112-27 record as the first coach in Kraken history, over three seasons. This year, the team finished under .500, at 34-35-13 with 81 points, a full 17 points back of a Wild Card berth.
After the shocking second-season success, and a two-year contract extension signed this past summer, many pundits are raising an eyebrow at the Kraken's move.
Honestly surprised at this one. Second-round of playoffs in second season.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 29, 2024
Gutsy move by Seattle to move on from Hakstol. Team has been fundamentally the same thing throughout, which is a mid low-event squad.
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) April 29, 2024
Y1 goaltending was disastrous, Y2 shooting was red-hot.
Rush play at both ends fell apart this season. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/7PGHznS6KT
Nevertheless, the team has decided to go in another direction.
“Following our end-of-the-season review, we have decided to make a change at our head coach position," said GM Ron Francis in making the announcement. "These decisions are never easy, but we feel this is a necessary step to help ensure our team continues to improve and evolve. Dave is a good coach and a terrific person. We wish him and his family all the best. We will begin our search for the Kraken’s next head coach immediately.”
Hakstol is now the 4th head coach this season to be fired before their extensions even began, joining Todd McLellan, Lindy Ruff, and Don Granato.
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