The Seattle Kraken signed head coach Dave Hakstol to an extension through the 2025-26 campaign, the team announced Wednesday.
"We believe we are heading in the right direction with Dave as our head coach, and it was important to show that confidence with this contract extension," general manager Ron Francis said in a statement. "Dave and his staff have done a great job of creating a close-knit, team-first mindset in our locker room, and their work ethic helps set the tone for our team."
Hakstol has been behind the Kraken's bench since their inaugural season in 2021-22. Seattle saw vast improvements in virtually every category during its second campaign:
| Season | Record | Points | P% | GF/GP | GA/GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 27-49-6 | 60 | .366 | 2.60 | 3.46 |
| 2022-23 | 46-28-8 | 100 | .610 | 3.52 | 3.07 |
Hakstol piloted Seattle to its first playoff berth this past season, claiming the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The Kraken squared off against the Colorado Avalanche in the first round and dispatched the defending Stanley Cup champions in seven games.
The 54-year-old was nominated for the Jack Adams Award as the league's top bench boss in recognition of Seattle's improvements under his direction, but he lost to Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery.
Seattle signed Francis to an extension through the 2026-27 season in May.
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