Bylsma aims to lead the Kraken back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a stage they reached in just their second season in 2023. In that playoffs run, they fell to the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Second Round, a series that went to seven games. After missing the playoffs last season, Seattle parted ways with their inaugural head coach, Dave Hakstol, on April 29.
“The players here have truly reinvigorated me with their mindset, personality, drive, and determination not only to excel individually but to elevate this team as a cohesive unit,” he stated. “I was already feeling energized before, but my enthusiasm has doubled after meeting these players, understanding who they are, and envisioning the potential we can achieve together.”
This week, Bylsma discussed his return to coaching with NHL.com, sharing insights on his familiarity with the Kraken roster stemming from his time in Coachella Valley, as well as the significance of Jessica Campbell becoming the first woman to take on a full-time assistant coach role in the NHL.
You mentioned feeling energized. Was there a time when your desire to coach diminished?
“There have indeed been instances when I have consciously or unconsciously altered my demeanor with the team. In hindsight, I recognize that as a mistake and I’m determined not to let that happen again moving forward.”
You mean that whatever emotions you were experiencing were manifesting toward them?
“Exactly. Whether intentionally or not, sometimes the game can humiliate you, which can affect your demeanor. At times, I changed it of my own volition. I regret that the last two years have renewed my focus on what being a head coach signifies for both individual players and the team as a whole. That focus will remain moving forward.”
Were there coaching opportunities prior to Coachella Valley, or were you intentionally stepping back from pursuing them?
“I can’t falsely claim that I turned down opportunities. While that was not the case, there were chances I did not chase to their fullest extent.”
“After my stint with Buffalo, I took a year off from coaching and was unsure about my return. I owe a lot to (former Red Wings coach) Jeff Blashill, who invited me to the World Championship with the United States men’s team in 2017 and later asked me to join the staff in Detroit in 2018. This reinvigorated my mindset about coaching. That invitation from Jeff played a significant role in reigniting my journey back into coaching.”
You’ll be coaching some players from Coachella Valley this season. How does that familiarity benefit you?
“I genuinely feel grateful for the familiarity I’ve built over the last three years during training camps with most of these guys. I’ve had conversations with Jared McCann since the beginning of those years. Most of the current players have been here for three years, with only a few newcomers. Familiarity on both sides makes a considerable difference.”
“Players like Shane Wright, Tye Kartye, Riker Evans, and Joey Daccord are great to have, as I believe in their abilities. They know what I expect, and they can help establish those expectations among the players. Gustav Olofsson excelled at camp because he understood what was required of him and executed accordingly.”
“I feel similarly about Shane Wright. He is an outstanding player who is on track to achieve greatness. Over the last year in Coachella Valley, he has shown tremendous growth, and our familiarity fosters a sense of comfort. He understands my expectations and has the confidence to meet them. His progress since training camp two years ago has been remarkable; while he remains true to himself, his confidence has significantly increased, and it shows.”
You’re beginning your third season with Jessica Campbell on your staff. In what ways has she improved since joining you in Coachella Valley?
“She has successfully built rapport, respect, and relationships with the players. Achieving that requires both skill and knowledge. Over the past two years, she has demonstrated her capabilities in this area, which has been invaluable to my coaching.”
She mentioned that you informed her about her Kraken assistant coaching role during dinner with your wife, Mary Beth, and it was quite an emotional moment for her.
“We had numerous discussions, some of which she might not have realized were part of the interview process as the season came to a close in Coachella Valley. For about two-and-a-half weeks, I was also uncertain about getting the Kraken position. We continued those conversations afterward, which she might not have recognized as interviews—though she likely should have (laughs).”
What are your feelings about returning to the bench when the game starts on Tuesday?
“I guess the clock will be running for the first time at 1:30 (PT) on Tuesday for opening day. However, even during the exhibition games, it has been rejuvenating for me to be back behind the bench with NHL players. The past 14 days have been incredibly refreshing and energizing, leaving me excited about the possibilities for our team moving forward.”
Bylsma Seeks to Revitalize Kraken’s Playoff Aspirations in New Coaching Role
The New Era Under Dan Bylsma
Dan Bylsma, former NHL head coach and Stanley Cup champion, has stepped into a pivotal role with the Seattle Kraken as they aim to revitalize their playoff aspirations. Following a challenging season, Bylsma’s experience and tactical acumen are expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the team’s performance on the ice.
Understanding Bylsma’s Coaching Philosophy
Bylsma is known for his adaptable coaching style, which emphasizes:
- Defensive Structure: Bylsma’s teams often showcase a strong defensive foundation, crucial for playoff success.
- Offensive Creativity: Encouraging players to utilize their skills creatively while maintaining structure.
- Player Development: A commitment to developing young talent, fostering an environment where players can thrive.
Key Strategies for the Kraken
With Bylsma at the helm, the Kraken are expected to implement several key strategies to enhance their gameplay:
1. Enhanced Defensive Play
Bylsma’s previous teams have excelled in maintaining a solid defensive presence. This season, the Kraken will focus on:
- Implementing a tighter defensive zone coverage.
- Improving penalty kill effectiveness by emphasizing teamwork and communication.
- Utilizing analytics to identify and rectify defensive weaknesses.
2. Offensive System Overhaul
To boost scoring, Bylsma plans to:
- Encourage a fast-paced transition game to capitalize on odd-man rushes.
- Integrate more plays designed around the power play, aiming for higher conversion rates.
- Focus on creating mismatches against opposing defenses through strategic player positioning.
3. Fostering Team Chemistry
Building a cohesive unit is essential for success. Bylsma will:
- Organize team-building activities both on and off the ice.
- Encourage open communication among players and coaching staff.
- Implement mentorship programs pairing experienced players with newcomers.
Impact on Player Development
Bylsma’s history of player development may significantly benefit the Kraken’s young roster. Key areas of focus include:
Mentorship and Guidance
Bylsma’s mentorship can help young players like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright develop their skills more rapidly:
- Regular one-on-one sessions with players to address specific skills.
- Promoting a growth mindset that emphasizes learning from mistakes.
Case Study: Previous Success with Young Players
During Bylsma’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he successfully developed numerous young stars, including:
- Sidney Crosby: Transformed into one of the NHL’s best under Bylsma’s guidance.
- Evgeni Malkin: Flourished into a key offensive player, contributing to Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup victory.
Potential Challenges Ahead
While Bylsma brings a wealth of experience, the Kraken must also navigate potential challenges:
Adapting to New Systems
Shifting to Bylsma’s systems may take time. Players will need to:
- Adjust their understanding of defensive responsibilities.
- Learn new offensive patterns and strategies.
Managing Expectations
With Bylsma at the helm, the pressure to succeed will increase. Key strategies for managing expectations include:
- Setting realistic goals for the season.
- Encouraging a focus on improvement rather than immediate results.
Community and Fan Engagement
Bylsma’s influence extends beyond the ice. Engaging with the Seattle Kraken community can foster a strong fanbase:
Building Relationships with Fans
Bylsma can enhance fan engagement by:
- Participating in community events and outreach programs.
- Hosting Q&A sessions with fans to discuss the team’s vision.
Leveraging Social Media
Utilizing social media can help Bylsma connect with fans. Strategies include:
- Sharing behind-the-scenes content of practices and games.
- Highlighting player achievements and milestones on social platforms.
Conclusion
As Dan Bylsma takes on this new coaching role with the Seattle Kraken, his strategic vision and experience are poised to play a crucial role in revitalizing the team’s playoff aspirations. With a focus on defensive solidity, offensive creativity, and fostering player development, Bylsma’s approach is set to make a significant impact. As the season unfolds, the Kraken will undoubtedly look to implement these strategies, aiming for success both on and off the ice.
