The Seattle Kraken have officially ushered in a new chapter by appointing Lane Lambert as their third head coach in franchise history. With experience and vision for the future, Lambert’s arrival marks an exciting time for Kraken fans eager to see their team take the next step.
Announced on May 29, 2025, this strategic move follows the dismissal of Dan Bylsma after a single season, during which the team posted a 35-41-6 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four years.
This past season, Lambert served as an associate coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs under Craig Berube. Toronto (52-26-4) won the Atlantic Division and reached the Eastern Conference Second Round, ultimately falling in seven games to the Florida Panthers. Lambert’s experience in Toronto, working with a talented roster and helping guide the team deep into the playoffs, adds another layer to his already impressive coaching background.
Lambert, 60, brings a solid coaching resume to Seattle. He was 61-46-20 in 127 regular-season games and 2-4 in six Stanley Cup Playoff games for the New York Islanders, who fired him on January 20, 2024, after two seasons. Despite his short tenure in New York, Lambert earned a reputation as a steady hand capable of developing young players and maximizing the potential of veteran leaders.
In an interview on the Kraken’s website, Lambert expressed his excitement about joining the team and his vision for the future. “I’m so excited to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken,” Lambert said. “When it came time to write 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 owner Samantha Holloway, president of hockey operations Ron Francis, and general manager Jason Botterill for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started,” said Lambert.
Lambert’s arrival comes at a crucial time for the Seattle Kraken. After a promising inaugural season that saw them make the playoffs and generate a buzz in the hockey world, the team struggled with consistency and injuries last season. Management is hoping that Lambert’s experience and coaching style will bring a sense of stability and renewed energy to the locker room.
Known for his defensive acumen and emphasis on structure, Lambert is expected to implement a system that balances aggressive forechecking with responsible play in the defensive zone. His ability to adapt to different game situations and get the best out of his players was on display during his time with the Islanders. Under his guidance, several young players took significant steps forward, while veterans thrived in key roles.
With a roster featuring promising young talent like Matty Beniers and veterans like Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle, Seattle has the ingredients to be a competitive team in the Western Conference. Lambert’s focus on accountability and team-first mentality will be crucial in helping the Kraken navigate the challenges of a long NHL season to a new and developing team.
Seattle’s hockey community has already embraced Lambert’s arrival with enthusiasm. His passion for the game, combined with a proven track record of developing players, aligns perfectly with the Kraken’s vision for sustained success. As the team prepares for training camp and the upcoming season, fans can look forward to a new style of play, a renewed sense of purpose, and hopefully, more wins on the board.
As the Kraken organization turns the page on its coaching staff, all eyes will be on Lane Lambert to guide this young franchise into its next chapter. With a strong mix of experience, leadership, and enthusiasm, Lambert appears ready to seize the opportunity and lead the Seattle Kraken to new heights.