The search is over. Thursday, the Kraken named former Maple Leafs associate coach Lane Lambert as their third head coach in franchise history, just a little over a month since firing Dan Bylsma.
“We cast a wide net for suitable candidates. Lane impressed us throughout the interview process with his strategy and vision for this team,” general manager Jason Botterill stated in the team’s press release. “He’s found success at every level as a coach and player and was an integral part of Washington’s Cup run in 2018. We have full confidence in his ability to lead our players behind the bench.”
Lambert, 60, was granted permission to speak with Seattle about their vacancy at head coach last week, three days after Toronto’s elimination from the playoffs. On his 32 Thoughts podcast Monday, Elliotte Friedman noted that Lambert’s interview “went well in Seattle.”
Lambert has an extensive résumé as both a player and a coach. He spent seven seasons in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Quebec Nordiques, amassing 124 points in 283 games as a forward. Lambert served as an assistant coach for the Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals, the latter with whom he won a Stanley Cup, and an associate coach for the Maple Leafs as well as the New York Islanders, where he was later promoted head coach. His teams have advanced to the second round or better eight times since 2015.
“I’m so excited to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken,” Lambert said via press release. “When it came time to writing a new chapter, I couldn’t think of a better fit. Seattle’s an incredible sports town and I’ve been impressed by the energy of the fans every time I’ve been there as a visiting coach. This team has a talented group of young players poised to take the next step and a core group of veterans with great leadership abilities.
“I’d like to thank Samantha Holloway, Ron Francis, and Jason Botterill for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”