Kraken’s Jessica Campbell to explore other coaching opportunities

A notable member of the Seattle Kraken coaching staff is moving on.

On Thursday, general manager Jason Botterill announced that assistant coach Jessica Campbell will be moving on from the organization, allowing her to seek out a new coaching opportunity elsewhere in the NHL.

In a statement, Botterill noted that Campbell has the full support of the Kraken organization.

“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,” Botterill said. “Jessica has been an important member of our coaching staff for the past four years, demonstrating deep knowledge, and a unique ability to connect with and develop players. We respect her decision and believe strongly in her as a coach in this league.”  

Campbell has been a part of the organization since 2022, when she became the assistant coach of Seattle’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. After two years on the job, she followed head coach Dan Bylsma to the Kraken in 2024, becoming the first female coach in NHL history.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go well in the Emerald City. The Kraken missed the playoffs both years, finishing seventh and sixth in the Pacific Division, respectively. Bylsma was fired following the 2024-25 campaign, but Campbell remained on the staff under Lane Lambert this past year.

It’ll be interesting to see where Campbell ends up, and in what capacity. She has the tools to help with the development of young talent, something she thrived with while working with the Firebirds. There are already several openings around the league, with the St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets both clearing out part of their coaching staffs already.

Prior to her coaching experience, Campbell played three seasons for the Calgary Inferno of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, as well as being a standout at Cornell University for four seasons.