The Seattle Kraken have taken a step forward in their head coaching search, and it now involves a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ bench.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs have granted the Kraken permission to speak with associate coach Lane Lambert as Seattle looks to fill its head coaching vacancy.

Dreger also reported that Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love and Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach David Quinn are “believed to be among those in the mix as well.”

Lambert joined the Maple Leafs last summer as part of a major coaching overhaul under newly hired head coach Craig Berube. His role as associate coach has carried more responsibility than that of a typical assistant, and he played a key part in helping Toronto claim its first-ever Atlantic Division title with a 108-point regular season.

This wouldn’t be Lambert’s first opportunity at the helm of an NHL team. 

He served as associate coach of the New York Islanders under Barry Trotz from 2018 to 2022 before taking over as head coach for two seasons. His time as bench boss was cut short in 2024 when he was replaced midseason by Patrick Roy, ending his six-year tenure in Long Island. As for his track record, he’s had various assistant roles before New York, beginning in 2011 with the Nashville Predators before joining the Washington Capitals in 2014.

Why the Maple Leafs Added Associate Coach Lane Lambert to Craig Berube's Coaching Staff This will be the second time Lambert has been an associate coach in the NHL, a role with more responsibility than an assistant.

For the Kraken, Dan Bylsma was fired by the club on April 21, one season after being hired following a disappointing 35-41-6 record. The club’s 76 points were good for seventh in the Pacific Division, leaving them well out of playoff contention and missing the postseason for a second straight year.

The Leafs haven’t shown any intention of parting with Lambert, but that’s life on the NHL coaching carousel. For now, they’ve simply permitted Seattle to explore the possibility.

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