Seattle Kraken: First head coach Dave Hakstol is a good hire
The Seattle Kraken named their first head coach on Thursday. Dave Hakstol will be the franchise’s bench boss in 2021-22. It’s a solid hire.
There’s nothing like cutting it close. With four weeks to go before the Seattle Kraken pick players in the expansion draft, they hired a head coach. Former University of North Dakota and Philadelphia Flyers coach Dave Haskstol will be the franchise’s first bench boss. He’s a good choice.
Teaching background
When looking over the qualifications needed to lead the Seattle Kraken, Hakstol checks off many boxes. There will be many young players on the roster over the team’s first few seasons. Seattle’s head coach will have to be a good teacher.
Before coming to the National Hockey League, Hakstol coached the North Dakota Fighting Sioux/Hawks for 11 seasons. His teams reached the Frozen Four seven times with players such as Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie in the program. It was a great job to learn how to deal with young players.
Handle pressure
What Vegas did in 2017-18 was the exception, certainly not the rule. Expansion teams generally don’t win many games. But since the Knights did so well in their debut season, expectations will be high in the Emerald City. So, it won’t be easy for the Kraken as they begin their NHL Journey.
Their coach will need to set an example with the fans and media while under heavy scrutiny. Coaching in Philly can make the tamest of personalities hard. That city has no patience for losing or excuses. The fans there will eat under producers alive.
Hakstol was in Philadelphia long enough to develop a thick skin. He can deal with fan expectations and demanding media.
SEATTLE, WE GOT OUR GUY!
Dave Hakstol (@hakstol2), has been named the the first-ever head coach in #SeaKraken history!
Get to know our new bench boss → https://t.co/uiBhw09CfE pic.twitter.com/fe9p7Hry64
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) June 24, 2021