Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell on her bench against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn ImagesAccording to multiple reports, the Seattle Kraken were strongly pursuing Rick Tocchet to be their head coach, but their commitment to assistant coach Jessica Campbell has reportedly been throwing a wrench into finalizing their next head coach.
The Kraken have been linked to multiple head coaches since firing Dan Bylsma, but they've watched many of them sign elsewhere. It started when Tocchet signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, and then when the Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with Jeff Blashill. Recently, reports have stated that Marco Sturm is signing with the Boston Bruins, and Mitch Love is signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Lane Lambert and Jay Woodcroft are now known to be leading the race for the Kraken's coaching vacancy, but according to Anthony DiMarco of the Daily Faceoff, the Kraken's commitment to Campbell has halted talks with certain coaches.
"Speaking with an NHL executive on Tuesday, it sounds like the Kraken had their hearts set on Tocchet before shifting gears to Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love; the deal was close with Love but fell through at the finish line. Some believe that there is a condition for the next head coach in Seattle to retain current assistant coach Jessica Campbell, who was promoted along with former bench boss Dan Bylsma; this condition could be throwing a wrench into finalizing their next head coach."
It's very rare for an NHL coach to join a new organization and not select or bring in assistant coaches they think are best suited to work with them. If they feel Campbell isn't best suited to work alongside them, they are more than likely looking to sign with a team that provides them more freedom.
The Kraken are the final team with a coaching vacancy, giving them the freedom to choose whoever is available.
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