Jessica Campbell leaving Seattle Kraken to seek other NHL coaching roles

Jessica Campbell is leaving the Seattle Kraken as her contract expires to explore other coaching opportunities within the NHL [1, 2, 3].

Campbell's departure marks a significant transition for a pioneer who broke a long-standing gender barrier in professional hockey. As the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in the history of the league ^[2], her movement within the NHL signals a shift in how teams approach coaching hires and leadership diversity.

The announcement was made on Thursday ^[3]. Campbell, a native of Rocanville, Saskatchewan, will not return to the Seattle bench for the 2026-27 NHL season ^[3].

Reports regarding the length of her tenure with the Kraken vary. Some sources said she spent two seasons with the team ^[3], while others said she spent four years with the organization ^[4].

Campbell joined the Kraken to provide strategic expertise and leadership on the bench. Her decision to leave comes at the natural conclusion of her contractual obligations, allowing her to enter the market as a free agent for coaching positions [1, 2].

Throughout her time in Seattle, Campbell has been recognized as a trailblazer for women in sports. Her experience in the league provides a blueprint for other female coaches aspiring to reach the highest level of professional hockey, a path that remained closed for decades prior to her appointment ^[2].

As she seeks a new role, the Kraken will likely look to fill the vacancy left by her departure. Campbell's move may prompt other NHL teams to consider her for assistant or head coaching roles as they prepare for the upcoming season [1, 3].