Seattle Kraken say assistant coach Jessica Campbell will not return next season

SEATTLE (AP) — Jessica Campbell, the first woman to be an on-bench assistant coach in NHL history, will not return to the Seattle Kraken next season, the team said Thursday.

General manager Jason Botterill said Campbell’s contract is expiring and she expressed a desire to explore other roles around the league.

“We support her in this process,” Botterill said in a statement. “Jessica has been an important member of our coaching staff for the past four years, demonstrating deep knowledge and a unique ability to connect with and develop players. We respect her decision and believe strongly in her as a coach in this league.”

Campbell, a former member of Canada’s national women’s team, was promoted from the American Hockey League’s Coachella Firebirds along with Dan Bylsma in 2024 after he became the organization’s second head coach.