Jessica Campbell, the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history, is set to explore new coaching opportunities after her contract with the Seattle Kraken expires on April 30, 2026.
Having joined the Kraken in July 2024, Campbell has been a trailblazer in a league traditionally dominated by men. Her tenure included two seasons as an assistant coach for the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she helped lead the team to the Calder Cup Final both years.
During her time with the Kraken, Campbell faced challenges. The team missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and qualified only once since their debut in 2021-22. Their record during the 2024-25 season stood at 35-41-6 — far from what fans expected.
Yet Campbell’s contributions extended beyond wins and losses. She played for Canada’s national women’s hockey team at the 2015 World Championship and was instrumental in helping the Calgary Inferno secure a Clarkson Cup victory in 2016. At just 33 years old, her extensive resume positions her as a strong candidate for future roles across various NHL teams.
Key facts:
- Campbell has been part of the Kraken coaching staff for four years.
- She is expected to generate interest from other NHL teams following her departure.
- General Manager Jason Botterill expressed support for her decision to explore new roles.
Botterill stated, “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.” This statement reflects a growing recognition of female coaches in sports — a trend that could reshape future coaching dynamics within the NHL.
The potential for Campbell’s return to Seattle remains open. Emily Kaplan noted, “It doesn’t appear Seattle has closed the door to bringing Campbell back next season.” With her unique ability to connect with players and deep knowledge of the game, many anticipate that she will leave a lasting impact wherever she lands next.
