Seattle Kraken hire Dave Hakstol as first head coach

The Seattle Kraken have named Dave Haktsol their first ever head coach, the club announced Thursday morning.

Hakstol, 52 coached the University of North Dakota for over 15 years and has made stops in Philadelphia — as a head coach — and in Toronto as an assistant over the past six seasons.

The Drayton Valley, Alberta led the Flyers to two playoff appearances but was fired midway through his fourth season.

Much like he was when originally hired by the Flyers, Hakstol is a bit of an off-the-board choice for the Kraken to make, and it will be interesting to see how well he does during the Kraken’s inaugural season.