The Seattle Kraken have hired their first-ever head coach as they prepare for their expansion season in 2021-22. That would be Dave Hakstol, who was an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs the last two seasons.

The 52-year-old released a statement upon getting hired:

“It is an honor to be the first head coach of the Seattle Kraken,” Hakstol told the Kraken website. “I am honored to be joining this tremendous group of staff and fans. When I first saw the arena, I was blown away – it is such a unique venue. I am looking forward to being a part of the group that builds a team that plays with pride, passion and selflessness for the city of Seattle.”

Hakstol does have NHL head coaching experience. He spent four seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, going 134-101-42. The Flyers made the playoffs twice during his tenure, only to lose in the first round both times. He was fired in 2018, 31 games into the 2018-19 season.

Now that the Kraken have a head coach, they will turn their eyes to the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, which is in about a month on July 21. The 2021 NHL Draft is two days later on July 23. Seattle will look to add some quality players in order to unleash the Kraken on the NHL as its 32nd franchise.