The NHL coaching carousel continues to spin, with job security remaining an elusive concept for even the most accomplished bench bosses. The latest casualty is Dave Hakstol, who was dismissed by the Seattle Kraken after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign that saw the team fail to make the playoffs, a year after their Cinderella run.
Hakstol's dismissal has sparked debate within the hockey community, with some sources speculating that parting ways with the experienced coach could prove to be a mistake for the Kraken. While Hakstol's tenure was not without its successes, including leading the team to a 100-point season in just their second year of existence, the organization ultimately decided a change was necessary.
While the Kraken's decision to part ways with Hakstol may have been difficult, it is a testament to the unforgiving nature of the NHL coaching landscape. Despite his accomplishments with the franchise, including guiding them to a remarkable 100-point season, the team's failure to make the playoffs in 2023-24 ultimately sealed his fate.