On May 29 2025, the Kraken announced that their search for a head coach had finally come to a close. With the Toronto Maple Leafs eliminated from the playoffs, Lane Lambert hit the market looking for a return to the spotlight.
He broke into the NHL back in 2011 as an assistant coach for the Nashville Predators and held that position until 2014. He then moved on to being an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals for four years, until he finally landed on Long Island, coaching with the New York Islanders. It was with the Islanders that he served his longest tenure, assistant-coaching for four seasons until he got bumped up to head honcho in 2022. After two years at the helm, he moved up north to Toronto for one year as their assistant coach in this most recent season.
During his years of coaching, he has rung up quite a few accomplishments… for example:
- Back-to-back Presidents’ Trophy seasons with the Capitals in 2016 and 2017
- Reaching the second round of the playoffs eight times since 2015
- Going 61-46-20 as the head coach of the Islanders
- Winning two West Division Titles in the AHL
As a player, Lambert also excelled, winning a Calder Cup with the Adriondack Red Wings back in 1986 and a Turner Cup more than a decade later with the Houston Aeros in 1999. Whether it is on the ice or behind the bench, Lambert is a competitor, and some Kraken players know that already.
“He’s intense, very competitive,” Kraken forward Chandler Stephenson said. “He demands a lot, expects a lot. But he gives credit where credit is due. He’s always had a winning head coach mentality, mindset and demeanor, even as an assistant and associate coach. He wants to be successful. He cares a ton and wants buy-in from the guys. Doing your own thing doesn’t work out with him.”
Stephenson has plenty of experience with Lambert’s coaching style. The now veteran forward played with the Capitals in their Cup-winning season of 2017-2018 and was developed in large part by Lambert. Even though Stephenson did not make the roster at the start of that season, injuries opened up a spot for him, allowing him to prove himself at the highest level.
“I’m not overbearing, just there to help him get his game to the level it needs to be an everyday player and to be a strong contributor,” Lambert said back in 2017 about Stephenson. “Because I think there’s no question about it with the talent he has, that’s what’s in the future for him as long as he finds it within himself.”
Lambert guessed right, as Stephenson went on to win the Stanley Cup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, playing a key role in the team’s win.
Stephenson is not the only Kraken coming from the Lambert lineage. Forward Jordan Eberle had the pleasure of playing for him during his time with the Islanders prior to his move to the Kraken in 2021.
“Lane has got a huge winning pedigree. He’s been around the league for a long time.” Eberle explained. “His intensity is what sticks out to me. He has the passion and the energy, plus he brings accountability. His intensity is something that I think will be contagious.”
As a team, the Kraken have lacked that intensity, energy and passion that Eberle mentions. They have missed out on the postseason for two straight years and have gone through just as many coaches. Although both former coaches (Dave Hakstol and Dan Bylsma) had success previously in their careers, they were unable to bring that same level of production to Seattle. However, things might be different with Lambert.
His intense competitiveness, built-in chemistry and his ability to develop young talent make him a perfect fit for the Kraken rebuild. There is plenty of offseason still left to go, and with Lambert at the helm, the Kraken are on the right track to a bounce-back season in 2025.
