Full Breakdown
Jessica Campbell Departs Seattle Kraken to Pursue New NHL Coaching Opportunities
5/2/2026, 3:11:14 AM
Core Event: Announcement of Departure
On April 30, 2026 the Seattle Kraken announced assistant coach Jessica Campbell will not return for the 2026-27 season. Her contract expires this summer, and she wishes to explore other NHL coaching opportunities. The organization supports her decision.
Background & Context
Seattle missed the playoffs for three straight seasons, winning 69 games and ranking 23rd in power play (18.9 %). CEO Tod Leiweke called the results “not acceptable” and launched an internal audit led by EVP/GM Jason Botterill.
Key Figures & Groups
Jessica Campbell – former Cornell captain, first full-time female NHL assistant; Jason Botterill – EVP/GM; Lane Lambert – head coach; Tod Leiweke – CEO; Matty Beniers – forward.
Data & Statistics
Campbell spent four years with Seattle (two with AHL affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds, two on the NHL bench). The Firebirds reached the Calder Cup Final both years. Seattle’s power-play ranked 23rd of 32 (18.9 %) and the club finished 27th last season.
Why It Matters
Campbell’s July 2024 promotion made her the first woman in a full-time, on-bench NHL role, advancing gender diversity. Her skating, development and international coaching experience (Germany’s 2022 IIHF men’s team) make her a valuable asset.
Official Statements & Responses
Botterill said Campbell “has been an important member of our coaching staff for the past four years, demonstrating deep knowledge and a unique ability to develop players.” Leiweke said the franchise is “committed to fixing” performance issues and that Botterill “is not threatened by it, he’s encouraging it.”
Criticism & Opposition
The low power-play ranking, bottom-tier point total and three-year playoff drought signal broader coaching shortcomings; Leiweke’s “It’s not acceptable” underscores urgency.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Lambert praised Campbell’s skating work; Beniers noted her feel for players; Campbell hopes her presence becomes “old news” rather than a novelty.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources confirm Campbell’s departure and contract expiry. Some say the Kraken “have left the door open” for a return; others describe the move as a “mutual decision” without specifying conditions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’ll be a great day when it’s old news and not as exciting and (actually) kind of boring, to see a woman behind any men’s pro bench or just working,” — Jessica Campbell, assistant coach
- “Her skill set is skating, and she’s done a really good job of working with our players, improving in that area,” — Lane Lambert, head coach
- “And she has a good feel of, like, how guys are feeling … if they’re kind of down, if they’re not really confident right now,” — Matty Beniers, forward
- “It's not acceptable,” — Tod Leiweke, CEO
What's Next
Campbell is fielding interest from multiple NHL clubs as Seattle completes its audit and plans offseason changes. The Kraken will assess coaching staff adjustments while seeking a playoff-contending formula.
