Analysis: The Kraken fired Dave Hakstol. Here's who could replace him

SEATTLE — Dave Hakstol, the Kraken's only head coach in their three-year history, was relieved of his duties Monday morning.

As far as potential replacements who can steer the Kraken back toward spring hockey, there are several tested, recognizable names looking for new landing spots, plus numerous newcomers looking for a promotion.

Dan Bylsma

The one they call "Disco Dan" has been waiting in the wings, developing the Kraken's top prospects with their top American Hockey League affiliate. The resume is certainly there, if he's interested.

A month before coaching Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Bylsma became the winningest coach in Pittsburgh Penguins history. His six-season run in Pittsburgh from 2008-2014 included a Stanley Cup in 2009 and a Jack Adams Award in 2011.

Bylsma last coached in the NHL in 2020-21 as an assistant for the Detroit Red Wings, and was last a head coach in 2016-17 with the Buffalo Sabres. He's been active in the Kraken organization since the beginning, taking an assistant-coaching job with the Charlotte Checkers — then the Kraken's AHL affiliate — in 2021-22.

The Kraken would have to wait for him to become available. He coached the Coachella Valley Firebirds to overtime in Game 7 of the championship series last summer, and they're poised for another deep run after securing a Pacific Division title and first-round playoff bye.

While they're looking at the AHL, Todd Nelson coached the Hershey Bears team that eliminated the Firebirds for the Calder Cup title last season. He's top-10 all-time in league wins and has spent time in the NHL as well. He was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Thrashers and Dallas Stars, and an interim head coach for the Edmonton Oilers in 2014-15.

Milwaukee Admirals head coach Karl Taylor is reportedly keen on an NHL coaching gig. It would be his first — he's been honing his craft in the AHL on and off since 2011-12, and has only worked as an NHL scout.

Rod Brind'Amour

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