SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken announced Thursday that Lane Lambert will be the team's third head coach.
This comes just over a month after the team fired Dan Bylsma after his first season.
"I'm so excited to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken," Lambert said in a 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 qualities. I'd like to thank Samantha Holloway, Ron Francis and Jason Botterill for this opportunity. I can't wait to get started.”
Lambert began his professional hockey coaching career during the 2002-03 season when he served as assistant coach for the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League.
He moved to the National Hockey League during the 2011-12 season to join the Nashville Predators as assistant coach. He was also an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals from 2014-18. He went on to be an assistant coach for the New York Islanders for four seasons before becoming the head coach between 2022 and 2024.
He was an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.
"After conducting an extensive search, we're thrilled to announce Lane as our new head coach," said Jason Botterill, Seattle Kraken general manager. "We cast a wide net for suitable candidates. Lane impressed us throughout the interview process with his strategy and vision for this team. 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."
In April, the team announced other changes in the front office. Ron Francis was promoted to team president, while Jason Botterill was named to take over as general manager and executive vice president.
Francis had overseen Seattle's roster since team's inception in 2021.
Botterill had extensive experience in the Pittsburgh Penguins' front office, during which time the team won three Stanley Cups. He joined the Kraken in 2021 as the assistant general manager and previously served as the GM of the Buffalo Sabres from 2017-20.
The Kraken also previously confirmed that Jessica Campbell would return as an assistant coach for the club.
The Kraken finished with 76 points in 2024-25, five points fewer than the prior season and finished second-to-last in the Pacific Division.