Seattle, WA – Newly appointed Seattle Kraken head coach Lane Lambert stated during his introductory press conference that while he doesn`t feel external pressure to immediately guide the team to the playoffs, he holds a strong internal expectation to achieve that goal.
Lambert`s introduction on Monday followed his hiring on May 29. He spent the previous season as an associate head coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who won 52 games and the Atlantic Division title but were eliminated in the second round by the Florida Panthers.
As the third head coach in Kraken history, Lambert joins a franchise entering its fifth season, having made the playoffs just once in its first four years.
The 60-year-old coach emphasized personal accountability: “I have an expectation of myself and of my role and of my abilities,” he said. He described turning the team around as a “process” and a “journey” requiring daily improvement and adherence to the system for results to follow.
Lambert takes over for Dan Bylsma, who was fired after just one season on April 21. Under Bylsma, Seattle finished the past season significantly lower in the standings (76 points) compared to the previous year (81 points), ending 20 points outside the Western Conference wild-card spot.
General Manager Jason Botterill noted that Lambert possessed the desired qualities, specifically highlighting his ability to work with both experienced veterans and young prospects.
Last season, the Kraken struggled in key statistical areas, ranking in the bottom third for power play efficiency (23rd), faceoff win percentage (24th), and shots per game (25th). Their penalty kill was 21st, an area where Lambert helped Toronto improve significantly.
Lambert acknowledged that improving special teams and defensive play are priorities, but stressed that comprehensive improvement is necessary. He emphasized building the team`s structure and details day by day, recognizing it`s a process.
Lambert`s NHL coaching career began in 2011. His prior head coaching experience was with the New York Islanders from 2022-23 until his firing in January 2024. He led the Islanders to the playoffs in his single full season as their head coach.
Reflecting on his dismissal from the Islanders, Lambert shared that the experience allowed for self-reflection on what he would do differently or the same.
Before his Islanders head coaching role, he served as an assistant coach for Nashville (2011-14) and Washington (2014-18), winning a Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018. He was also an associate coach with the Islanders before becoming head coach. Teams he has worked with have reached the playoffs a combined 10 times.
Lambert inherits a roster blending established players like Jaden Schwartz, Jared McCann, Eeli Tolvanen, and Chandler Stephenson with promising young talent such as Matty Beniers and Shane Wright.
He expressed confidence in the team`s talent and balance, stating that the “non-negotiable” is playing the “right way.”
