It’s worthwhile for Seattle Kraken fans to know what Derek Laxdal is saying.
Well, it’s probably best to first remind you who Derek Laxdal is (above photo). He’s the new head coach of the Kraken’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley – an opening created when Dan Bylsma was promoted this offseason to head coach in Seattle.
That’s one reason to pay attention to Laxdal; he could be in Seattle one day as well. The even more important reason is that the Firebirds’ coach is in charge of grooming the prospects who will be making future waves at Climate Pledge Arena.
“The Seattle Kraken and Firebirds have an incredible amount of talent coming through in the next few years through the draft process,” Laxdal said at his introductory news conference. “Part of my job is to develop these players and turn them into the future Seattle Kraken.”
Laxdal’s Mission With Prospects: Smooth The Bumps
“When you have a lot of young kids coming in, it’s exciting because they’re full of energy. Every year, the kids seem to get faster, stronger, more skillful.”
That doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps along the way. “When you have younger players coming in from the Canadian major juniors, from college, it’s a whole different level for them. It’s going to be an adjustment period for these players to step in, to learn what it takes to be an everyday American Hockey League player. That’s where the staff has to make sure the communication lines are open.”
Laxdal will also be looking for returning veterans to ease that transition. He’s already reached out to captain Max McCormick, who younger Kraken have mentioned as a mentor during their time in the AHL. “The biggest thing we want to establish as an organization and a team, which has been established here, is guys want to have to play for each other. You have to become a family.”
Coach’s Journey To The Desert
Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
Laxdal comes to Coachella Valley from coaching the WHL Oshawa Generals, where in the second of his two seasons the Generals went 40-19-9. His 17-year pro playing career included 67 NHL games, as well as stops in the minors, Finland and England. He was head coach of the AHL Texas Stars between 2014-19, and for three seasons after that worked as an assistant coach with their NHL parent Dallas Stars.
Troy Bodie, VP of hockey & business operations, said the team “cast a wide net” when looking for its new coach. “We talked to a bunch of candidates. We were really impressed with Derek, his track record, his experience and character.”
Laxdal’s initial impression of the Valley? “It’s very hot,” he admitted to chuckles. (110 degrees F on the day of the press conference.) “You see the palm trees and the mountains. It’s an incredible place to play hockey.” About Acrisure Arena, “It’s probably one of the best facilities in North America to play hockey. The dressing room, the weight room, the lounges, it’s incredible.”
The new Firebirds coach has spoken to the old Firebirds coach. “We’ve had a couple of conversations talking about the team. Systematically, we’re going to try and align with Seattle. When our players do get recalled to the National Hockey League, that we’re on the same page. We’ll have that discussion moving forward.
“(Dan Blysma’s) done great things for the start of the franchise here. Talking to the players, talking to the coaches, he’s been outstanding. Seattle’s getting one heck of a coach.”
AHL coaches are expected to balance winning – the expectation of the local fan base – and getting players NHL-ready for their parent clubs. Those goals aren’t always in sync. “That’s the art of coaching,” Laxdal said. “We’re really looking forward to building on the success the organization’s had over the last two years. The goal is to win the Stanley Cup and to win the Calder Cup.”