In a bold move signaling a new chapter for the franchise, the Seattle Kraken have hired Lane Lambert as their new head coach. The announcement comes after a comprehensive search led by newly promoted general manager Jason Botterill, marking the first major personnel decision of his tenure.
Lambert, a seasoned hockey mind with Stanley Cup pedigree, brings a blend of experience, leadership, and tactical sharpness to a Kraken team hungry for consistency. His hiring ends speculation about the Kraken’s next step after a disappointing 2024–25 season that saw the team finish seventh in the Pacific Division and miss the playoffs for the second straight year.
“This wasn’t just about finding a coach,” Botterill said during the official announcement. “It was about finding a leader who can bring cohesion, accountability, and a shared vision. Lane stood out from day one as someone who could unify this locker room and take us to the next level.”
Lambert previously served as head coach of the New York Islanders, where he compiled a 61-46-20 record across two seasons. He led the team to a playoff berth in 2023 before being replaced midway through the following season. Despite the early exit in the postseason, his tactical approach and calm bench presence left an impression.
This past season, Lambert was an associate coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs under Craig Berube, contributing to one of the most dynamic benches in the league. He also boasts a Stanley Cup ring from his time as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals in 2018, where he played a crucial role in developing a championship-caliber culture.
“This opportunity is incredibly special,” Lambert said. “Seattle is an electric sports city, and this team has all the ingredients—youth, experience, and passion. I’m honored to be chosen to help shape the next chapter of Kraken hockey.”
The Kraken are a team in transition. Despite making an inspiring run to the second round of the playoffs in 2023, they have since stumbled, struggling with both offensive consistency and defensive reliability. Last season, they ranked 16th in goals per game (2.99), 24th in goals-against average (3.20), and were in the bottom third in both special teams categories.
Lambert inherits a roster rich with potential. Rising stars like Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans are expected to develop into foundational pieces. They’re flanked by veteran leadership in Jared McCann, Brandon Montour, Vince Dunn, Chandler Stephenson, and Jaden Schwartz—players with playoff experience and locker room presence.
Botterill emphasized the importance of communication and structure in his coaching search. “Today’s NHL demands more than just systems—it requires culture. Lane’s ability to delegate, connect, and align staff and players makes him uniquely qualified,” he said.
In many ways, the Kraken are betting on Lambert not just as a tactician, but as an architect. His experience across leagues—the NHL, AHL, and WHL—equips him to nurture young talent while holding veterans to a high standard. The goal is not just to return to the playoffs, but to become a fixture in postseason conversations.
Seattle’s fan base, known for its fierce loyalty and high expectations, will be watching closely. If Lambert can reignite the spark that briefly made the Kraken one of the league’s most exciting teams, he’ll not only stabilize the ship—he could chart a course toward long-term success.
As the puck drops on a new season later this year, all eyes will be on the bench in Seattle. The Kraken have found their commander. Now it’s time to see if Lane Lambert can steer the team into deeper, uncharted waters—and come out thriving.