Seattle Kraken add Jay Leach and Paul McFarland as assistant coaches

Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol has made his first two hires. Jay Leach and Paul McFarland have been named Seattle’s first-ever assistant coaches.

Leach has served as head coach of the AHL’s Providence Bruins for the past four seasons, and appeared in 70 NHL and over 400 AHL games over his playing career.

McFarland, on the other hand, spent the past season as the GM and head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL, Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach for the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

“We’re very excited to add two talented hockey minds in Paul and Jay to our inaugural staff,” said Hakstol, who said McFarland would focus on forwards and the powerplay while Leach, a former NHL defenseman, will be responsible for the Kraken’s defense corps.

McFarland and Hakstol coached together as assistants with Toronto during the 2019-20 season, first with Mike Babcock, then staying on staff when the Maple Leafs replaced Babcock with Sheldon Keefe.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with this organization, starting with Ron, as part of the expansion process,” said McFarland during an exclusive interview Monday. “Anytime you work with somebody with the schedule demands of the NHL, you get to know that person. Dave and I got along great.”