With her Seattle Kraken contract expiring, Jessica Campbell has plans to continue working in the NHL. It just won't be in Seattle.
The Kraken announced Thursday that Campbell, an assistant coach, is leaving the team with full support from the organization.
"As Jessica’s current contract expires, she has expressed her desire to explore other coaching roles across the league and we support her in this process,” Kraken general manager Jason 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 joined the Kraken in July 2024, becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history to work behind the bench during the regular season.
The 33-year-old joined the organization in July 2022 and was the assistant coach for the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, for two seasons. She helped the team reach the Calder Cup Final in both years.
The native of Moosomin, Sask., played for the Canadian women's hockey team at the 2015 world championship and helped the Calgary Inferno win the Clarkson Cup in 2016.
The Kraken missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons and only qualified once since their debut in 2021-22. The Firebirds made back-to-back trips to the Calder Cup Final when Campbell was on Dan Bylsma's AHL staff.
--with files from The Associated Press
