A former Stanley Cup-winning coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins may soon be returning to the NHL.

PITTSBURGH – Longtime fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins know the name Dan Bylsma. The head coach of the 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Penguins and 2011 Jack Adams winner as the NHL’s top bench boss.

Bylsma was hired to coach the Seattle Kraken's AHL affiliate when they opened a shop for the 2021-22 season. As head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Bylsma helped lead the team to the Calder Cup Final last season.

After three years of existence, all with Dave Hakstol, the Kraken may already consider a coaching change. Kraken general manager Ron Francis said he is still deciding on Hakstol's future.

On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman theorized that the Kraken might turn to Bylsma as their next head coach.

“You know what my theory is?” Friedman said. “My theory is they’re thinking about Dan Bylsma.”

On the other end of the conversation, Jeff Marek noted that there will soon be a ton of faces from the Firebirds making their way to the Kraken roster. Much like Bylsma did in the Penguins organization, it’s a common practice to see a coach get promoted from the AHL to the NHL.

Bylsma also has connections with a key face in the Kraken front office, Jason Botterill, who serves as assistant GM.

“It’s my opinion, it’s my theory, and also there is a connection,” Friedman said. “Jason Botterill… Dan Bylsma… Pittsburgh Penguins.”

Botterill worked in the Penguins front office when they won their Cup with Bylsma in 2009.

Nothing is certain at the moment, but Bylsma has proven to be a worthy NHL coach before. The former Jack Adam’s winner held the record for most wins by a Penguins coach with a 252-117-32 record before being surpassed by Mike Sullivan.

In two seasons as the Buffalo Sabres head coach, Bylsma notched a 70-56-15 record.

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