SEATTLE — Lane Lambert stated that he doesn`t feel external pressure to transform the Seattle Kraken into a playoff team. However, he personally expects to achieve this goal.
Lambert was formally introduced as the Kraken`s head coach on Monday at their practice facility. His hiring was announced on May 29. Before joining Seattle, he served as an associate head coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. Toronto had a successful regular season, winning 52 games and securing the Atlantic Division title, but they were eliminated in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Florida Panthers, who are currently competing in the Stanley Cup Final.
He is set to become the third head coach for the Kraken franchise. The team is entering its fifth season, having qualified for the playoffs only once in its first four years.
The 60-year-old Lambert commented, “I have expectations for myself, my role, and my capabilities. You start on Day 1, and it`s a process, a journey. If you do the right things throughout that journey, do the right things every day, aim to improve daily, and commit to the process, the results will follow naturally.”
Lambert succeeds Dan Bylsma, who was dismissed on April 21 after just one season. Seattle`s performance placed them far from playoff contention by the February break for the 4 Nations Face-off. They concluded the season with a record of 35-41-6 (76 points), which was 20 points shy of the Western Conference`s final wild-card position and five points less than their 81 points earned in the 2023-24 season.
General manager Jason Botterill stated, “It became quite clear that Lane possesses the qualities we were seeking. This includes a combination of presence and expertise to effectively work with seasoned veterans, alongside a dedication to developing young players.”
Last season, Seattle`s statistics were in the bottom third of the league in several key areas: power play efficiency (23rd), faceoff win rate (24th), and average shots per game (25th). Their penalty kill ranked 21st, an area where Lambert significantly contributed to improving the Maple Leafs from 23rd to fourth place.
Lambert commented, “While some areas are higher priorities, everything needs attention. You can`t achieve everything instantly; it`s a process that begins on Day 1. You start with the process, establish expectations, and begin implementing your systems, structure, and details. However, improving our special teams is definitely crucial. We will also be better in our defensive zone; I`m confident of that. Those will be initial points of focus.”
Lambert`s coaching career in the NHL dates back to 2011. His sole prior experience as a head coach was with the New York Islanders, a role he held from the beginning of the 2022-23 season until his dismissal in January 2024. During his only full season leading the Islanders, the team reached the playoffs but was eliminated in the first round.
He reflected on being fired: “When you go through an experience like that, getting let go, you get a lot of time to think. If you set aside your ego, you can consider, `Hmm, I might do this differently, or that differently. Or I might keep this or that the same.` There are some specific, minor aspects I plan to review and potentially alter.”
He previously served as an assistant coach for the Nashville Predators from 2011 to 2014, followed by a stint with the Washington Capitals from 2014 to 2018, during which the Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018. The Islanders initially brought him on as an associate head coach before the 2018-19 season. Overall, teams he has been a part of as a coach have reached the playoffs 10 times.
Lambert takes over a roster that includes experienced players like Jaden Schwartz (who scored a team-leading 26 goals last season), Jared McCann (22 goals and a team-high 61 points), Eeli Tolvanen (23 goals), and Chandler Stephenson (38 assists). The Kraken also possess promising young talent, including the 2023 Rookie of the Year Matty Beniers (20 goals, 23 assists) and Shane Wright (19 goals, 25 assists).
Lambert commented on the team`s composition: “Looking at the team and its balance, we have significant talent. We have veteran players. The absolute essentials are that we must play the right way – that is the fundamental approach.”
Tristan Blackwood