(Seattle) The Seattle Kraken have granted head coach Dave Hakstol a contract extension that will expire at the end of the 2025-26 season on Wednesday after he led them to the second round of the playoffs in the Western Conference in its second season.

Hakstol had another year to go on the three-year contract he signed when he was named the first head coach in franchise history shortly before the start of the 2021-22 season. His new two-year contract was granted to him because of the Kraken’s performance in his second season on the Bettman circuit.

“We believe we are headed in the right direction with Dave as head coach and it was important for us to show our confidence in him by giving him a contract extension,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said. by press release.

The Kraken earned 40 more ranking points than their first NHL season, finishing the campaign with 46 wins and 100 points. The Washington State roster stayed near the top of the Pacific Division for most of the campaign, before earning a bye given to teams drafted out West.

In the first round, the Kraken upset the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games before losing in seven games to the Dallas Stars in the next round.

Hakstol is the second member of Kraken’s management staff to get a contract extension this summer: Francis ratified his in May, which will allow him to remain with the team until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.