Former Penguins Coach Likely Returning to NHL
A former champion head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins is expected to return to the NHL level.
PITTSBURGH – Dan Bylsma spent six years as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. From a Stanley Cup championship in 2009, to a Jack Adams Award in 2011, and 252 wins in Pittsburgh, Bylsma stands as one of the most successful coaches in franchise history.
After being fired by the Penguins in 2014, Bylsma spent two years as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. Following the Sabres, he joined the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant, but didn’t return after the 2020-21 season.
The Seattle Kraken hired Bylsma when they launched their franchise, and he has since become the head coach of their AHL squad, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. More steps up the ladder may be right around the corner for Bylsma, as well.
The Kraken are looking for a new head coach, and according to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Bylsma is the likely front-runner.
“I think it’s going to be Bylsma,” Friedman said. “I would just be surprised at this point and time if it isn’t him, based on what I’m hearing.
Friedman has dropped Bylsma’s name for the Kraken job before, and after a couple of great seasons with the Firebirds, it appears he’ll make his return to the NHL.
“In coaching circles, that’s where everyone is leaning.”
When Bylsma was behind the Penguins bench, he made noise as one of the most successful rookie coaches ever. In 2013 he became the fastest coach ever to 200 wins and soon became the winningest head coach in Penguins history.
With a lot of Coachella Valley representation expected for the Kraken lineup in 2024-25, it would make perfect sense to see Bylsma make the jump with those key players.
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