It was a moment of great pride and honor for Dan Bylsma, the former coach of Seattle Kraken, when he was appointed by GM Ron Francis on May 28, 2024. The words, “I’m truly honored that you think I’m the guy to do that for you and your team, so I thank you for that,” spoken by Bylsma reflected his gratitude towards the organization for trusting him with such a huge responsibility. However, little did he know that only after a short span of time, he would no longer hold the position of the coach of Seattle Kraken. What led to this sudden change of events? Let’s take a closer look.
It was a dream come true for Bylsma when he was appointed as the head coach of Seattle Kraken, the newest team in the NHL, for their first season in 2021-22. With an impressive track record as a coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bylsma was seen as the perfect fit for the team. His experience and knowledge of the game, along with his leadership skills, made him the top contender for the job. And his words, “I’m truly honored that you think I’m the guy to do that for you and your team, so I thank you for that,” only further solidified the belief that he was the right man for the job.
But things took an unexpected turn when reports surfaced about the shocking details of Bylsma’s contract with Seattle Kraken. According to an NHL insider, the 54-year-old coach had signed a five-year deal worth a whopping $25 million, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league. This revelation left many questioning the decision-making of GM Ron Francis and the Seattle Kraken organization.
The news of Bylsma’s contract details triggered a wave of criticism and backlash from fans and experts alike. Many argued that it was a huge mistake by the organization to offer such a high salary to a coach who was yet to prove himself with the team. The pressure and expectations were already high for Seattle Kraken, being a new team in the league, and Bylsma’s contract only added to the weight on his shoulders.
It was not long before the team’s performance on the ice raised concerns among the management. Bylsma’s strategies seemed to be falling short, and the team was not living up to the expectations set for them. This led to a string of losses, ultimately resulting in the decision to let go of Bylsma as the coach of Seattle Kraken.
The news of Bylsma’s firing came as a shock to many, considering it had only been a year since he was appointed as the coach. The high expectations, along with the pressure of his expensive contract, seemed to have taken a toll on Bylsma, and he was unable to deliver the desired results. It was a hard blow for the former coach, especially after expressing his gratitude towards the organization for giving him the opportunity.
The incident raised many questions about the management’s decision to offer such a lucrative contract to an unproven coach. It was a decision that backfired, leaving the Seattle Kraken organization in a tough spot. However, instead of dwelling on the past, the team quickly moved forward and appointed a new coach to lead them.
In conclusion, Dan Bylsma’s appointment as the coach of Seattle Kraken was met with great enthusiasm and hope for the team’s success. His words, “I’m truly honored that you think I’m the guy to do that for you and your team, so I thank you for that,” reflected his gratitude and determination to live up to the expectations. However, the shocking details of his contract and the team’s underwhelming performance led to his firing. It was a tough lesson for the Seattle Kraken organization, but one that they have learned from as they move forward with a new coach and renewed determination to succeed in the NHL.
