Jessica Campbell's Departure from the Seattle Kraken: Exploring New Opportunities in the NHL
Jessica Campbell will not be returning to the Seattle Kraken as an assistant coach next season, according to sources. Her contract is set to expire this summer, and the team is supporting her in exploring new opportunities within the league. Campbell made history in 2024 as the first woman to hold a full-time, on-the-bench coaching role in the NHL. The Kraken have expressed openness to her returning to the organization in the future, as she had a positive experience with the team.
Campbell, 33, joined the Seattle Kraken after coaching with their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she played a key role in the team's success. She worked closely with players like Ty Kartye, who went from undrafted to AHL Rookie of the Year under her guidance. In the NHL, Campbell worked with players like Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Kaapo Kakko, helping them improve their skills and performance on the ice.
Before joining the Kraken, Campbell built her coaching experience through skating and skills development programs, training NHL players during the offseason. She also has coaching experience with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in Germany and served as an assistant coach for Germany at the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship. Campbell, a native of Rocanville, Saskatchewan, has a strong background in hockey, having played in the Canadian Women's Hockey League and for the Canadian national team.
In conclusion, Jessica Campbell's time with the Seattle Kraken as an assistant coach is coming to an end, but the team is supportive of her exploring new opportunities in the league. Campbell's coaching experience and dedication to player development have made her a valuable asset to the teams she has worked with, and her impact on players' performance has been significant.