It’s seems a bit hard to believe because a decent amount of time has passed, but Tuesday morning was the first time ex-Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol had returned to Climate Pledge Arena in any capacity since being relieved of his duties following the 2023-’24 season.
“Hack” is an assistant coach with the NHL’s top team, the Colorado Avalanche, and was on the ice for the club’s morning skate.
I was walking from a seating area near the ice surface and bench, cutting underneath the stands to head to the Colorado dressing room. I wasn’t wearing my glasses and couldn’t identify Hakstol as he sort of gave a wave and said my name as he left the bench headed in the same general direction. When I came around the corner, there he was, as friendly as ever.
He’s a class act and he and I always appreciated being able to have an in-depth chat about hockey. We did so again, and he finished by wishing me and family the best for the holidays.
Hakstol didn’t need a gig last season. He was still collecting generous paychecks from the Kraken for the year that remained on his contract when he was terminated. Not a bad situation to be in and a common one for NHL coaches who lose their jobs.
As head coach he led the Kraken to their only playoff appearance in 2023. The team upset the Avalanche in the first round of the playoffs and took the Dallas Stars to seven games in round-two before bowing out.
I imagine there will be some sort of recognition for the franchise’s first ever head coach during the proceedings on Tuesday evening; a chance for the fans to applaud. We shall see.
Hakstol deserves it. He brought the Seattle NHL faithful their greatest moments thus far, and his relative openness and his sincere kindness was always appreciated.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Need To Treat This As A Playoff Game
