Lane Lambert Aims ⁤to Boost Seattle Kraken as New head Coach

Updated June 10, 2025

Lane Lambert has ⁢been introduced as the new head coach for the Seattle Kraken, expressing ⁣his‍ ambition to guide the team back ⁤into playoff contention. Despite acknowledging no external pressure, Lambert holds himself to a high standard. He was hired May 29 after serving‍ as an associate head coach for the‍ Toronto Maple Leafs.

Lambert, 60, is the third⁢ head coach in the kraken’s history. The team has made the playoffs once in four seasons. “It’s a process, a journey,” Lambert said, emphasizing the importance of daily enhancement and sticking to the ⁣process.

General Manager Jason Botterill highlighted Lambert’s blend of presence and knowledge, noting his ability to work with both veteran and young ⁢players. lambert⁤ succeeds Dan ⁤Bylsma, who was fired April ‍21 after one season. The⁢ Kraken finished the previous season with a 35-41-6 record, a step back from their prior performance.

Lambert aims to improve the Kraken’s special teams, defensive zone play, and overall structure. ⁢Last season, Seattle’s power play ranked 23rd in the league, faceoff winning percentage was 24th,⁢ and average shots⁢ per game stood at 25th.

Lambert’s NHL coaching career ⁢began in 2011. He⁢ previously served as head coach for the New York Islanders, leading them to a playoff appearance before being let go in January 2024. Reflecting on his experience, Lambert ‍said, “You have a lot of time to reflect…there’s certain little things I’ll look at and look into changing.”

Before the islanders, lambert was an assistant coach with Nashville and Washington, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2018. Teams he has coached have reached the playoffs 10⁢ times.

The Kraken’s roster includes veterans such as Jaden Schwartz, ‍Jared McCann, Eeli Tolvanen, and Chandler Stephenson, alongside young talents like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright.”When you look at ⁣the team⁢ and the⁢ balance, we have great talent,” Lambert said.

what’s next

Lambert’s⁢ focus will be on implementing⁤ his systems ‍and structure to elevate the ⁢Seattle Kraken into a more competitive force⁤ in the NHL, with the ultimate goal of consistent playoff contention.