The Seattle Kraken have elevated Cory Murphy to Director of Player Development and Justin Rai to Head of Player Strategy.
Murphy has been working as a defensive player development coach, closely collaborating with Ty Nelson and Tyson Jugnauth, a pair of defensemen who made significant strides in their development during the past season.
“I’m excited to get started, it’s just a huge honor,” said Murphy, replacing Jeff Tambellini, who accepted an assistant general manager position with the Tampa Bay Lightning. “Our main objective is making sure all of our prospects know we're here to help them in any way we can, continuing to monitor their progress and making sure they are on the right track moving toward the goals we have set for them.
Murphy played in 91 NHL games in his career with the Florida Panthers, Lightning and the New Jersey Devils, but also spent time playing in the AHL, Liiga (Finland), NL (Switzerland), KHL (Russia) and the SHL (Sweden), all of which are leagues known for being developmental, focusing on skills and transitional traits for professional hockey.
“Each prospect is unique and every player does have a different set of skills that are going get them to the League,” said Murphy. “It's our job to make sure we're clear with where we see the prospects’ paths. We do everything we can to help them along that path to the NHL.”
New Kraken HC Shakes Things Up As Lowry, Briere Fired
<b>Seattle, WA</b> - The <b>Seattle Kraken</b> announced more changes to their coaching staff on Friday with the departure of assistant coach <b>Dave Lowry</b> and goaltending coach <b>Steve Briere</b>. According to a press statement from Seattle Kraken Executive VP and General Manager <b>Jason Botterill</b>, the decision was made in part by the new head coach, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/VEw40Y4owvxLsNUkBagZ">Lane Lambert</a>.
Rai has accepted a promotion to Head of Player Strategy, a deserved reward for the work he has done in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. As Head of Player Strategy, Rai will work with Seattle's roster of players under the coaching staff.
“In the NHL, it's all about winning and the players following a structure and consistency within that structure,” said Rai. “My job is to be able to research the league, research our players and figure out the existing trends. Most specifically, it is my role to be additive to Coach Lane's staff, making sure players can better execute his structure at a higher level, staying on the same message as the coaching staff ... I’m grateful for the opportunity and that the Kraken organization puts its employees in spots to succeed.”
The Kraken are embarking on a transitional period, one in which they focus on player development and trusting the youth within their organization. The Kraken have shifted several people to new jobs, including Ron Francis, Jason Botterill, Murphy and Rai. The Kraken have also seen multiple shifts in their coaching staff, hiring Lane Lambert, Aaron Schneekloth, Chris Taylor and Colin Zulianello.
Related:
Former Kraken Head Coach Dave Hakstol Finds New Home in Colorado with the Avalanche
<b>Denver</b> - The Colorado Avalanche have announced the hiring of Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach, who will serve under head coach, Jared Bender. This is Hakstol's first coaching job since being let go by the Seattle Kraken after the 2023-24 season.
Kraken Relieve Bob Woods Of His Assistant Coaching Duties
The Seattle Kraken have relieved assistant coach Bob Woods of his duties after just one season with the team.