Kraken fire coach Dave Hakstol after three seasons

Field Level Media|published: Mon 29th April, 14:39 2024

Jan 1, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken head coach David Hakstol during the first period in the 2024 Winter Classic ice hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park. credits: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Kraken fired Dave Hakstol, the franchise's first head coach, after three seasons on Monday.

Hired on June 24, 2021, Hakstol guided the Kraken to a 107-112-27 record that included a disappointing 34-35-13 mark in 2023-24.

It was a letdown after a 100-point finish and a first-round playoff series win during the 2022-23 campaign, when Hakstol was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.

"I thank Dave for his hard work and dedication to the Kraken franchise," Kraken general manager Ron Francis said. "Following our end-of-the-season review, we have decided to make a change at our head coach position.

"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."

Francis said assistant coach Paul McFarland was also relieved of his duties.

Hakstol, 55, served as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015-19, compiling a record of 134-101-42 with two playoff appearances.

—Field Level Media

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