When the Seattle Kraken hired Dave Hakstol as their head coach in 2021, many hockey fans were skeptical. After all, Hakstol had been fired from his previous job with the Philadelphia Flyers after a disappointing three-year stint. But in his first season with the Kraken, Hakstol has already turned the team into a contender for the Stanley Cup. With the Kraken currently in second place in the Pacific Division, many are wondering if Hakstol can earn NHL Coach of the Year honors.
Hakstol has been able to get the most out of his players, and his team is playing a fast, aggressive style of hockey that has been successful. He has also implemented a system that emphasizes puck possession and defensive responsibility, which has helped the Kraken become one of the top defensive teams in the league. The Kraken have also been able to score goals at a high rate, with their offense ranking in the top five in the NHL.
Hakstol’s success with the Kraken is even more impressive considering the team’s lack of star power. The Kraken do not have any superstars on their roster, but Hakstol has been able to get the most out of his players and has been able to get them to buy into his system. He has also been able to get the most out of his goaltenders, with both Joonas Korpisalo and Thomas Greiss having strong seasons.
Hakstol’s success with the Kraken is even more impressive when you consider that he is a rookie head coach in the NHL. He has been able to quickly learn and adjust to the league, and has been able to get the most out of his players. If Hakstol can continue to lead the Kraken to success, he could very well be in contention for NHL Coach of the Year honors.
The Seattle Kraken have been one of the biggest surprises in the NHL this season, and much of that success can be attributed to Dave Hakstol. He has been able to quickly learn and adjust to the league, and has been able to get the most out of his players. If Hakstol can continue to lead the Kraken to success, he could very well be in contention for NHL Coach of the Year honors.
