Lane Lambert is officially joining the Seattle Kraken as their third head coach in franchise history.
Lambert spent the past season as an associate coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs, overseeing the team’s penalty kill among other responsibilities. Toronto granted Lambert permission to speak with Seattle about its open head coaching vacancy on May 21.
“After conducting an extensive search, we’re thrilled to announce Lane as our new head coach,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said in a press release. “We cast a wide net for suitable candidates. What impressed us throughout the interview process was Lane’s strategy and vision for this team. He was an integral part of the Capitals winning the Cup and the Islanders advancing to two straight Eastern Conference finals. We have full confidence in Lane to lead this team behind the bench.”
Lambert previously served as the head coach of the New York Islanders, posting a cumulative record of 61-46-20 before he was fired during the 2023-24 season.
“I’m so excited to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken,” Lambert said. “When it came time to writing a new chapter, I couldn’t think of a better fit. Seattle is an incredible sports town, and I’ve been impressed by the energy of the fans every time I’ve been there as a visiting coach. This team has a talented group of young players poised to take the next step and a core group of veterans with great leadership qualities. I’d like to thank Samantha Holloway, Ron Francis and Jason Botterill for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”
Toronto posted a 77.8 percent success rate on the penalty kill during the 2024-25 season, the 17th-best mark in the NHL, improving by six spots year-over-year under Lambert’s supervision.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided Lambert with a ringing endorsement in November, after previously consulting with Barry Trotz.
“He’s been a very good coach for a long time in this league, going back to his time with Barry Trotz,” Berube said of Lambert. “I know Trotzie well. Trotzie and I had talked about it and he thought it’d be a great fit. I’ve heard nothing but great things about him as a coach and a person, and it’s all true. He’s detailed, great guy to work with, fits in really well with the coach and staff, and very intelligent.”