Dave Hakstol Named As First Head Coach In Seattle Kraken Franchise History

With just 27 days left until the expansion draft the NHL’s 32nd franchise – Seattle Kraken has announced that Dave Hakstol has been hired as their first-ever head coach.

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Dave Hakstol (@hakstol2), has been named the the first-ever head coach in #SeaKraken history!

Get to know our new bench boss → https://t.co/uiBhw09CfE pic.twitter.com/fe9p7Hry64

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) June 24, 2021

GM Ron Francis on the hire via Kraken website:

“Tracking back to University of North Dakota days, Dave is a coach who cares about his players. At times, a coach’s messages can get diluted. Players want to understand what the coach wants them to do. Dave communicates clearly and concisely. Players like that.”

Tod Leiweke, CEO of Seattle Kraken via website:

“We are so proud of the momentum built for this franchise to launch. From an incredible fan base came a brilliant arena, a world-class training center, and an agreement by a Hall-of-Famer to become our GM. And today is another major step forward. On behalf of David Bonderman and our entire ownership group we welcome Dave Hakstol to Seattle and to the Seattle Kraken.”

Press conference:

Ron Francis opened up the press conference stating that the team wanted to find someone who understood the systems, could make changes when needed and was going to communicate and care about the players. ‘’He checked all the boxes.’’

Dave Hakstol: ‘’This is a dream that has come true. This is an awesome thing to be a part of, to have an opportunity to join this team. Me and my family are thrilled to become a part of the Seattle community and to join the Kraken organization.’’

The 52-year-old specialist has a wide range of experience across many levels. He’s been coaching since 1996 starting at the USHL level with Sioux City Musketeers. Later moving on to NCCA and working at the University of North Dakota for fifteen years. His first gig at the NHL level came in 2015 when he was hired as the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. He was sacked three seasons later after his Philadelphia Flyers began their 2018-19 season with a 12-15-4 start. In 2019 he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and after just two seasons – he has earned another head coaching job at the NHL level – this time with Seattle Kraken. Hakstol also has experience on the international stage where he worked as an assistant coach at two World Championships.