With Dan Bylsma upgraded from head coach of the Firebirds to head coach of the Kraken, the AHL affiliate was in need of a new coach. They now have a great one in Derek Laxdal. Laxdal's most recent NHL success came as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars for three years, including their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. Laxdal was also head coach in 2018 for the Texas Stars, and helped a young Roope Hintz grow into the star he is today.

Last season he coached the Oshawa Generals and his tutelage helped a young Beckett Senneke flourish and surely deserves credit for the Ducks being so enamored they went off the board to take him at 3rd overall.

Laxdal has shown over the past decade that he not only can create winning teams and a strong work environment, but help to elevate young prospects and properly prepare them for the rigors of the NHL. As the Kraken continue to draft new young prospects and talent, Laxdal appears to be an excellent choice.

We will have to see if he brings any of his prior staff from the Generals or anyone else he has previously worked with over with him. For now, this seems like an excellent hire for the Kraken's AHL affiliate.

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