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, she made significant strides in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Campbell’s tenure with the Kraken includes four years of dedicated service, during which she also served as an assistant coach for their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Under her guidance, the Firebirds reached the Calder Cup Final in both seasons she coached them.
While her record with the Kraken has not been as stellar—missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and only qualifying once since their debut in 2021-22—her impact on player development has been noteworthy. The team’s record during the 2024-25 season was a challenging 35-41-6.
At just 33 years old and hailing from Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Campbell has an impressive resume that includes playing for Canada’s women’s hockey team at the 2015 World Championship and winning the Clarkson Cup with the Calgary Inferno in 2016. Her journey reflects a growing trend of female coaches making their mark in sports.
Jason Botterill, general manager of the Kraken, expressed support for Campbell’s decision to seek other roles within the league. “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,” he stated.
Despite her departure from Seattle, it seems that there is still a possibility for Campbell to return. Emily Kaplan noted that “it doesn’t appear Seattle has closed the door to bringing Campbell back next season.” This leaves fans and players alike curious about what lies ahead for this trailblazing coach.
With an extensive background and proven success, many NHL teams are likely to show interest in Campbell as she navigates her next steps. Her journey is not just about personal achievement; it represents a broader movement towards inclusivity and recognition of female coaches in sports.
