The Seattle Kraken have found a new head coach after just one season with Dan Bylsma, as the young NHL franchise has hired Lane Lambert to handle the job behind the bench, the team announced on Thursday night.

“UP NEXT: THE LANE EVENT 🤩We’re excited to welcome Lane Lambert to the #SeaKraken as our organization’s new Head Coach,” the Kraken shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The Lambert hire comes on the heels of the Kraken parting ways with Bylsma, who steered Seattle to just a 35-41-6 record for 76 points.

Lambert has head coaching experience before his Seattle hire, having coached the New York Islanders for two seasons from 2022 to 2024..

“After conducting an extensive search, we’re thrilled to announce Lane as our new head coach,” shared Kraken general manager Jason Botterill (via NHL.com). Like Lambert, Botterill will also enter the 2025-26 NHL regular season in a new role for the Kraken. Botterill was promoted by Seattle to the general manager position in April.

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“We cast a wide net for suitable candidates,” Botterill continued. “What impressed us throughout the interview process was Lane’s strategy and vision for this team. He was an integral part of the Capitals winning the Cup and the Islanders advancing to two straight Eastern Conference finals. We have full confidence in Lane to lead this team behind the bench.”

The Kraken started competing in the NHL in the 2021-22 NHL season, winning just 27 games under Dave Hakstol. Seattle surprisingly made the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs in just their second season in the league, even reaching the second round of the 2025 postseason. In what turned out to be Hakstol's final season with the Kraken, he guided the team to a 34-35-13 record.

“I'm so excited to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken,” Lambert said of his new job. “When it came time to writing a new chapter, I couldn't think of a better fit. Seattle is an incredible sports town, and I’ve been impressed by the energy of the fans every time I’ve been there as a visiting coach. This team has a talented group of young players poised to take the next step and a core group of veterans with great leadership qualities. I'd like to thank Samantha Holloway, Ron Francis and Jason Botterill for this opportunity. I can't wait to get started.”

During his time as the Islanders' head coach, Lambert went 61-46-20 through 127 games.