Kraken hire McFarland, Leach as assistant coaches

Paul McFarland and Jay Leach were named the first two assistant coaches in Seattle Kraken history Tuesday.

McFarland and Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol served as assistants together with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019-20. McFarland was previously the assistant coach of the Florida Panthers from 2017-19 and head coach of the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs from 2014-17. He left the Leafs last offseason to reprise his role with the Fronts before COVID-19 wiped out the campaign.

Leach spent the last four seasons as the head coach of the AHL's Providence Bruins, compiling a 136-77-26 record and never missing the playoffs.

"We're very excited to add two talented hockey minds in Paul and Jay to our inaugural staff," Hakstol said. "Paul's work ethic and ability to communicate with players to give them the tools to be at their best, along with Jay's leadership and ability to coach and develop NHL talent, will be great additions to our team."

McFarland will focus on forwards and the power play. During his last season in Florida, the Panthers owned the second-best power play in the league. In his one season in Toronto, the Leafs ranked sixth with the man advantage.

Leach will be responsible for the defense corps. He played 70 games in the NHL as a defenseman from 2005-2011.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.