Jessica Campbell, the first woman to coach on an NHL bench, is now seeking her next opportunity after leaving the Seattle Kraken. The team announced Thursday that Campbell, who served as an assistant coach for the past two seasons, will not return for the upcoming season.
Departure from Seattle
A team spokesperson told The Daily Mail that Campbell's contract is expiring and she has expressed interest in other coaching roles around the league. The spokesperson emphasized that the relationship between the team and Campbell remains 'positive.'
Background and Career
Campbell, 33, was hired by head coach Dan Bylsma before the 2024-25 season. She and Bylsma previously coached together with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League. Bylsma was fired by Kraken general manager Ron Francis last summer, but Campbell was retained. She has also worked as an assistant coach for the German men's national team.
An NCAA star at Cornell, Campbell played junior hockey and later played in the CWHL for the Calgary Inferno. She reached the Frozen Four in 2011 with Cornell. Former teammate Jill Saulnier described Campbell as a 'born leader' and 'a force' on the ice.
Coaching Journey
Campbell began her coaching career working with NHL players in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising her profile within the league. Her track record under Bylsma in the minors led Francis to hire her in July 2024. Francis stated, 'We didn't hire her because she was female. We hired her because she was a good coach.'
Despite the Kraken finishing seventh in the Pacific Division in 2024-25 and sixth in 2025-26, failing to reach the playoffs, Campbell remains well respected. ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported that the door may even be open for her return to Seattle in the future. For now, she is exploring other options.
