The Seattle Kraken are indeed facing a crucial decision in hiring their next head coach after parting ways with Dave Hakstol. Among the top candidates, Rod Brind'Amour and Dan Bylsma stand out as the frontrunners.
Brind'Amour, the current head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, has established himself as one of the league's most sought-after coaches. His success with the Hurricanes, including deep playoff runs, makes him an attractive option for the Kraken.
Bylsma, the head coach of the Kraken's AHL affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds, is a strong internal candidate. He has a proven track record, winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, and has fostered a winning culture with the Firebirds. His familiarity with the Kraken organization could make for a smoother transition.
Other notable candidates include Todd McLellan, a seasoned coach with experience leading the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers, and Craig Berube, the former St. Louis Blues head coach who guided them to the 2019 Stanley Cup championship. The question remains, who should Ron Francis pull the trigger on?
