Seattle Kraken Coach Dan Bylsma Eyes Jessica Campbell for Assistant Role, Paving Way for Historic NHL Bench Debut

Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

Dan Bylsma, recently appointed as the Seattle Kraken coach, is considering Jessica Campbell for a role as an assistant coach.

Bylsma has a coaching history with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres and was the head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds for the past two seasons. Campbell, who made history as the first female full-time assistant coach in the AHL, was instrumental in the Firebirds reaching the Calder Cup final last season and advancing to the Western Conference finals this season.

Bylsma intends to explore the possibility of adding Campbell, along with Stu Bickel, a fellow Firebirds assistant, to the Kraken coaching staff. This team currently includes Jay Leach and Dave Lowry.

In her role with the Firebirds, Campbell managed the forwards and power-play units, showcasing her offensive expertise which led the team to score 257 goals in her first season and 252 goals in the following season.

If Campbell is hired by the Kraken, she would make history as the first woman to serve as a head coach or assistant coach in the NHL.

The Kraken is on the lookout for an additional assistant coach, having recently parted ways with head coach Dave Hakstol and assistant coach Paul McFarland due to a decline in the team's offensive performance.

Campbell's experience includes her tenure with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in Germany and her role as an assistant coach for the German men's national team at the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship.

Bylsma emphasizes the importance of positive relationships within the coaching staff, and he believes his previous collaboration with Campbell and Bickel will contribute positively to the team's dynamics.

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