The Seattle Kraken have named Lane Lambert as the third head coach in franchise history, the team announced Thursday. Lambert, 60, brings a wealth of NHL experience to the franchise, both behind the bench and as a former player.
Lambert most recently served as an associate coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2024-25 season, working under head coach Craig Berube. Before that, he held the head coaching role with the New York Islanders for parts of two seasons from 2022-23 through 2023-24. He was replaced by Patrick Roy on January 20, 2024, after compiling a 61-46-20 record (.559 points percentage) in 127 games as the Islanders’ bench boss. At the time of his departure, the Islanders were 19-15-11 (.557), hovering around the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Born in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Lambert played 283 NHL games across six seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Quebec Nordiques. Following his playing career, Lambert built an extensive coaching résumé, including a long tenure as an assistant under Barry Trotz with the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders. His time in Washington culminated in a Stanley Cup championship in 2018, when he served as an assistant coach during the Capitals’ Stanley Cup run.
Although Lambert does not have extensive ties to the current Seattle Kraken roster, he was part of the Islanders’ coaching staff during the tenure of current Kraken captain Jordan Eberle, who played on Long Island from the 2014-15 to 2020-21 seasons. That existing familiarity could help establish early communication and leadership dynamics as Lambert transitions into lead his new team.
“After conducting an extensive search, we’re thrilled to announce Lane as our new head coach,” said Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill in a team statement. “We cast a wide net for suitable candidates. What impressed us throughout the interview process was Lane’s strategy and vision for this team. He was an integral part of the Capitals winning the Cup and the Islanders advancing to two straight Eastern Conference finals. We have full confidence in Lane to lead this team behind the bench.”
Lambert replaces Dan Bylsma, who was relieved of his duties on April 21, 2025, after just one season behind the Kraken bench. Bylsma led the team to a 35-41-6 record, which fell short of expectations, particularly after the team’s two big free agent signings last summer. Bylsma was named head coach last summer, replacing the Kraken’s first head coach, Dave Hakstol, who went 107-112-27. Hakstol coached the Kraken to their first playoff appearance in 2022-23, which included the a first-round playoff series victory over the defending champion Colorado Avalanche.
As the Kraken enter their fifth NHL season, Lambert will be tasked with continuing the development of key young players such as Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, Jani Nyman, and Berkly Catton, while also guiding the team back to playoff contention. With a mix of emerging talent and established veterans, the expectation is not just growth, but meaningful progress toward becoming a consistent postseason threat. Lambert’s ability to balance player development with immediate results will be central to Seattle’s next phase. It is expected Lambert will round out his coaching staff over the next few months.