Full Breakdown
Jessica Campbell Departs Seattle Kraken to Pursue New NHL Coaching Opportunities
5/1/2026, 2:21:16 PM
Departure Announcement and Immediate Context
On April 30, 2026 the Seattle Kraken announced that assistant coach Jessica Campbell will not return for the 2026-27 season. Her four-year contract expires in the summer, and she wishes to explore other NHL coaching roles.
Background: Trailblazing Path to the NHL Bench
Campbell, 33, from Moosomin, Saskatchewan, played for Canada (silver 2015 World Championship) and won the 2016 Clarkson Cup with Calgary Inferno. After retiring in 2017 she coached skating for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers and assisted Germany at the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship. She joined the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, in July 2022, helped them reach two Calder Cup Finals, and was promoted to the NHL bench in July 2024 as the league’s first full-time female assistant coach.
Impact and Significance
Campbell’s historic role as the NHL’s first full-time female assistant coach highlights progress for women in professional hockey and may inspire broader inclusion in coaching ranks.
Timeline of Campbell’s Tenure with Seattle
- July 2022: Hired by Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL).
- 2022-24: Firebirds reached Calder Cup Final both seasons.
- July 2024: Promoted to Kraken assistant coach under Dan Bylsma.
- April 30 2026: Contract expires; Campbell seeks new NHL opportunities.
Performance Metrics and Team Context
In Campbell’s two NHL seasons the Kraken posted a 34-37-11 record, missing the playoffs and finishing 11 points behind the Western Conference wild-card. The franchise has reached the postseason only once (2023) in five years. An internal audit of the first five years began in April 2026, coinciding with the coaching changes.
Official Statements from the Kraken
GM/EVP Jason Botterill said the organization respects Campbell’s decision, praised her deep knowledge and player-development skills, and will support her search for new roles. The team noted the door remains open for a future return.
Criticism, Team Performance, and Internal Review
CEO Tod Leiweke called the three-year playoff drought “not acceptable” and promised corrective action. Some analysts link the coaching turnover to on-ice struggles and the internal audit, though the Kraken have not confirmed a direct link.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As Jessica’s current contract expires, she has expressed her desire to explore other coaching roles across the league and we support her in this process,” — Jason Botterill, EVP & General Manager, Seattle Kraken
- “and we're committed to fixing it.” — Tod Leiweke, Seattle Kraken CEO
- “thankful for this city, organization and our fans. You mean so much to me.” — Jessica Campbell, Instagram story, April 2026
What’s Next for Campbell and the Kraken
Campbell’s exit adds to NHL coaching vacancies, with teams such as the St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly interested. The Kraken’s internal audit will deliver a report later this year, and the organization says it would consider re-engaging Campbell if a suitable role emerges.
