SEATTLE — Lane Lambert, the new head coach of the Seattle Kraken, stated that he doesn`t feel external pressure to transform the team into a playoff contender. However, he personally expects to achieve just that.
Lambert was formally introduced as the Kraken`s coach on Monday at the team`s training facility. His hiring was announced on May 29, following a season as an associate head coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While with Toronto, the Maple Leafs secured 52 wins and the Atlantic Division title but were ultimately knocked out in the Eastern Conference semifinals by Florida in a deciding Game 7. Florida is currently competing in the Stanley Cup Final.
He becomes the third head coach in the Kraken`s history. The team is set to begin its fifth season, having reached the playoffs only once in their first four years.
The 60-year-old coach stated, “I have expectations for myself, my role, and my capabilities. It`s a process and a journey that begins on Day 1. By doing things correctly throughout that journey, striving for daily improvement, and adhering to the process, the desired results will naturally follow.”
Lambert succeeds Dan Bylsma, who was dismissed on April 21 after just one season. The Kraken`s performance saw them far from playoff contention by the February break for the 4 Nations Face-off. They concluded the season with a record of 35-41-6, totaling 76 points – 20 points short of the final wild-card position in the Western Conference and five points fewer than their 81 points in the 2023-24 season.
General manager Jason Botterill commented, “It became quite clear that Lane possesses the qualities we were seeking. He brings a blend of presence and expertise needed to work effectively with veteran players, while also demonstrating a commitment to developing younger talent.”
Last season, Seattle`s statistics placed them in the bottom third of the league in several key areas: power play efficiency (23rd), faceoff win percentage (24th), and average shots per game (25th). Their penalty kill ranked 21st; notably, Lambert contributed to improving Toronto`s penalty kill from 23rd to fourth during his time there.
Lambert explained his approach: “While there are specific areas of priority, every aspect of the game needs attention. Building success takes time, and that process begins immediately. We will start with the fundamentals, establish expectations, and implement our systems, structure, and detailed play. Improving our special teams is definitely a requirement, and I am confident we will also enhance our defensive zone play. These will be initial areas of focus.”
Lambert`s NHL coaching career dates back to 2011. His previous head coaching role was with the New York Islanders, starting the 2022-23 season and concluding with his dismissal in January 2024. During his sole full season at the helm, the Islanders reached the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round.
Reflecting on his previous head coaching tenure, he remarked, “When you go through an experience like being let go, you gain significant time for introspection. If you approach it without ego, you can honestly assess areas you might handle differently, while also recognizing things you would keep the same. I will be examining specific details and considering adjustments.”
His assistant coaching roles included stints with Nashville from 2011-14 and Washington from 2014-18, where he was part of the Capitals team that won the Stanley Cup in 2018. The Islanders appointed him as associate head coach before the 2018-19 season. Over his coaching career, the teams he has been associated with have qualified for the playoffs on ten occasions.
Lambert takes over a roster featuring established veterans like Jaden Schwartz (who led the team with 26 goals last season), Jared McCann (22 goals and a team-best 61 points), Eeli Tolvanen (23 goals), and Chandler Stephenson (38 assists). The Kraken also boast promising young players, including the 2023 Rookie of the Year Matty Beniers (20 goals, 23 assists) and Shane Wright (19 goals, 25 assists).
Lambert summarized his view of the team: “Looking at the roster and its balance, we have significant talent, including experienced veterans. The absolute requirement is that we must play the game correctly – that is the fundamental approach.”
