Dave Hakstol Named First Head Coach
First head coach of the Seattle Kraken, hired in 2021 and fired in 2024.
David Hakstol (born July 30, 1968) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach who is currently an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche. He served as the first head coach of the NHL's Seattle Kraken from 2021 to 2024, after their expansion.
Quick Facts
- Role
- First Head Coach, Seattle Kraken
- Previous nhl head coach
- Colorado Avalanche (2013–2020)
- Playing position
- Defenseman
- Inaugural kraken season
- 2021–22
- Coaching philosophy
- Process-driven
- defensive structure
- player development
Lore & Background
Hakstol was hired as head coach of the expansion Seattle Kraken on June 24, 2021. In their second season, he was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year, after the Kraken qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in franchise history and improved by 19 wins and 40 points in the standings. In July 2023, the Kraken extended Hakstol's contract through the 2025–26 season. After missing the playoffs the subsequent season, Hakstol was fired by Seattle on April 29, 2024.
Reader's Guide
Hakstol previously served as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015 to 2018. He was hired as assistant head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 29, 2019, and stayed for two seasons. He was hired as an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche on July 8, 2025.
Did You Know?
- Hakstol is the first head coach to go directly from the NCAA to the NHL since 1982.
- He led the University of North Dakota to the NCAA Frozen Four seven times in eleven seasons.
- Hakstol was an assistant coach for Canada's national men's team in 2017 and 2019.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Seattle Kraken
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced