The front office at Climate Pledge Arena got a championship upgrade on Thursday.
On June 11, Seattle Kraken hired former Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin as vice president and assistant general manager reuniting him with GM Jason Botterill. The two spent 10 years together in Pittsburgh's front office, which won three Stanley Cups between 2009 and 2017.
For fans in the arena's backyard across Queen Anne and Magnolia, the hire adds proven playoff pedigree to a franchise heading into a loaded offseason.
"As a visiting team, you can feel the fans' energy and feel the identity of the team playing fast hockey," Allvin said in a Wednesday night phone call after crossing the border from Canada into the U.S.
The Swedish-born Allvin rose from European scout to assistant GM in Pittsburgh before taking the top job in Vancouver, where he was a 2024 finalist for NHL GM of the Year after the Canucks posted a 50-23-9 record and won their first division title since 2013. Vancouver finished last in the NHL this past season.
Botterill said Allvin will focus on pro scouting. That role becomes critical with the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, in Buffalo. The Kraken hold the No. 7 overall pick, their best draft position in four years, plus a No. 25 selection acquired from Tampa Bay. Free agency opens Tuesday, July 1.
The Kraken also hired Pascal Vincent as assistant coach, filling the spot left by Jessica Campbell's departure. Vincent was named AHL Coach of the Year in 2025 after leading the Montréal Canadiens' affiliate, the Laval Rocket, to a league-best 48-19-5 record and 101 points. He brings 26 years of coaching experience, including NHL assistant stints with Winnipeg and Columbus and one season as Columbus head coach in 2023-24.
Kraken fans are reacting on social media to management changes.
"Wasn’t he fired from the Canucks after having the worst record in the NHL?" one person commented on Instagram.
"Pascal Vincent was the Laval Rocket's head coach (Habs' AHL team) and he had a positive impact on the players, he'll be a good addition to the Kraken," another person said.
Others don't seem thrilled about what's happening.
"Godspeed Kraken fans. He never answers a question, can barely speak English and has the charisma of charcoal," one person said on X.
"Really? Patrick Allvin? How did he do with the Canucks recently??" another person said.
Head coach Lane Lambert said Vincent's offensive perspective complements the team's defensive identity and that the two coaches have "similar backgrounds" but contrasting demeanors on the bench.
The Seattle Torrent (PWHL), who also play at Climate Pledge Arena, announced Thursday they elevated assistant coach Christine Bumstead to head coach. The Torrent hired from within after some fans hoped Campbell might fill the vacancy.
The 2026-27 Kraken home schedule has not been released. High school sports return in the fall; contact Ballard High athletics (206-252-1000) or Ingraham (206-252-3800) for summer camp info.