The Seattle Kraken announced on Thursday that assistant coach Jessica Campbell will not return for the upcoming season. The team described the parting as amicable, stating that the relationship remains positive. It is unclear whether the decision was mutual or driven by one side.
Campbell's contract is expiring, and she has expressed interest in other coaching roles around the NHL, a team spokesperson confirmed. She is currently exploring other opportunities, according to multiple reports, though no specific teams have been named. The Kraken have indicated she is free to pursue other options. League sources believe her skill development expertise could attract suitors, though Campbell herself has not disclosed which teams she is considering.
ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported that the door may remain open for Campbell to return to the Kraken. According to Kaplan's report, the team would welcome her back if other opportunities do not materialize. It is unknown whether Campbell would consider a return if no other NHL role becomes available.
The job she's done is the reason why we hired her. We didn't hire her because she was female. We hired her because she was a good coach. She has an interesting background, not only skating but skill development and that's a big part of what they've been able to do at Coachella Valley.
Campbell was hired by the Kraken in July 2024 as part of head coach Dan Bylsma's initial staff, a team spokesperson said. She and Bylsma had previously coached together with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL, according to multiple reports. At the time of her hiring, general manager Ron Francis emphasized that Campbell's coaching ability was the reason for her hiring, not her gender, and he praised her background in skating and skill development work at Coachella Valley. After Bylsma was fired last summer, the Kraken retained Campbell, signaling the organization valued her contributions.
In addition to her AHL experience, Campbell has served as an assistant coach for the German men's national team, according to multiple reports. That international stint, combined with her success developing players, has made her a candidate for other coaching positions, league sources say. Analysts have noted that her unique background sets her apart in a competitive NHL coaching market.
Bylsma was dismissed by Francis following the 2024-25 season, the team previously announced. Under the coaching staff's direction, Seattle finished seventh in the Pacific Division in 2024-25 and sixth in 2025-26, failing to qualify for the playoffs in either campaign, according to multiple reports. The Kraken have not yet named a replacement for Campbell.
Despite the announcement, many details remain unclear. Neither Campbell nor her representatives have publicly commented on the decision, and the exact reasons for her departure have not been disclosed.