I guess that non-committal tone Ron took during exit interviews meant something after all.
The Kraken unceremoniously just announced that they have relieved Head Coach David Hakstol of his duties via a press release:
Hakstol presided over the Kraken as Head Coach for the past three seasons; amassing a 107-112-27 record and at least one Jack Adams nomination for his work in the 2022-23 season, which saw the Kraken win their first playoff series. Ron Francis stated that this decision was made after the end-of-season review, and that while it’s always hard, he thanked Dave for his services, and wished him the best.
The Kraken will also not be bringing back assistant coach Paul McFarland, and thanked him for his services.
The idea that they will be searching for a head coach immediately gives me the impression that the Kraken already have someone pegged as an option, but any potential candidates are yet to be named. Maybe promoting Dan Bylsma from within? Who knows.
As for whether or not I think this was a good idea? I’m…mixed on it. I believe that Hakstol presided over two teams with very inconsistent, very streaky, and inevitably down the stretch very unmotivated teams, but also presided over the Kraken’s first real playoff success and I do believe his system had a lot to do with that. I completely understand however, the idea that he had gotten this team as far as it could go, and I don’t know if he was going to survive after the multiple losing streaks they suffered this season. Better to start fresh, I guess.
It just better come with Ron supplementing his team with some scorers this offseason.
All the best to Dave Hakstol and Paul McFarland.
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