Seattle Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill announced Lane Lambert as the franchise’s third head coach following a deliberate and comprehensive hiring process. Botterill evaluated a wide pool of candidates, conducting multiple interviews before selecting Lambert for his strategic vision and leadership qualities.
Lambert, previously an associate coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, brings championship experience and reunites with former players from the 2018 Stanley Cup-winning Washington Capitals team.
Lambert previously served as head coach of the New York Islanders, leading them to a playoff berth in 2022–23 with a 42-31-9 record. His overall tenure with the Islanders saw a 61-46-20 mark and a .559 win percentage. Despite a midseason coaching change in 2023–24, his performance was solid, especially given the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference. Lambert has shown the ability to stabilize and improve teams under pressure.
Lambert Adds Defensive Skill, Veteran Mentorship, and Championship Experience to Kraken Bench
Before joining the Kraken, Lambert worked under Craig Berube in Toronto, playing a crucial role in the Maple Leafs’ defensive improvements. Toronto rose from 21st to 8th in goals against, helping the team clinch the Atlantic Division title. His associate coach role gave him higher-level responsibilities than typical assistants, highlighting his readiness to return to a head coaching role.
Lane Lambert Named Kraken Head Coach, Reuniting with Former Players and Eyeing Defensive GrowthLambert expressed enthusiasm about his new role, praising Seattle’s sports culture and fan base. He acknowledged the strong mix of youthful talent and veteran leadership on the Kraken roster and thanked ownership and management for the opportunity. He sees the team as ready to take a significant step forward and is eager to lead that journey.
Lambert’s coaching pedigree includes over a decade as a top assistant to Barry Trotz across three NHL teams: Nashville, Washington, and the Islanders. Together, they made eight playoff appearances and won numerous postseason series. Trotz has consistently praised Lambert’s hockey IQ, preparation, and emotional intelligence, all of which were instrumental in his promotion to head coach roles.
Battle-Tested Leader Reunites with Familiar Faces, Brings Versatile Experience to Kraken Bench
Lambert has built a reputation as a strong communicator and thoughtful decision-maker, with high praise from respected figures like GM Lou Lamoriello. Whether managing line changes or strategic systems, Lambert has shown he can lead confidently under pressure. His time as interim head coach during Trotz’s brief absence also showcased his readiness to take full command when necessary.
Lambert reunites with several former players in Seattle, including Jordan Eberle, Andre Burakovsky, Chandler Stephenson, and Philipp Grubauer. His familiarity with these players, especially from playoff runs in Washington and New York, could accelerate the Kraken’s development. His diverse coaching background includes overseeing every aspect of the game: offense, defense, special teams, and player development.
Drafted by the Red Wings in 1983, Lambert played six NHL seasons and amassed 124 points and over 500 penalty minutes. He later played internationally and won championships in both the AHL and IHL. Known for his gritty playing style and leadership, his experiences as a player enrich his coaching philosophy. Lambert’s extensive playing and coaching background make him a well-rounded, battle-tested leader for the Kraken.
