Although Dan Bylsma has seven years between NHL head coaching positions, he still has some unresolved business to attend to before starting with his new squad. Dan Bylsma will become the second head coach in Seattle Kraken history.
Bylsma, who won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in June 2009, is currently coaching the Coachella Firebirds in the AHL Western Conference finals. By all accounts, Bylsma is capable of leading a team that includes both young, up-and-coming players and seasoned veterans.
It is still surprising that Bylsma left the NHL seven years ago, but since he achieved success, the league and the game have evolved, so he might have some growing pains as a coach of his new Seattle team.
The first thing that stands out is how serious General Manager Ron Francis is. He is the kind of CEO that demands results and wouldn't hire someone he doesn't think is qualified for the position. The Kraken, who went above and beyond last season, is expected to return there shortly, and it's clear that Francis and the rest of the team think Bylsma is the best candidate.
