Jordan Eberle sets record straight about why Dave Hakstol was fired

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Graham Montgomery
May 1, 2024 (9:19 PM)

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Yesterday reports emerged that Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol was fired because players non longer wanted to play for him. Today, Kraken leader Jordan Eberle addressed this rumor, shutting it down for good.

The Kraken announced that Hakstol would not be returning to the team as head coach next season on Monday, well after the Kraken's season had ended as they failed to make the playoffs this year.

The Kraken have fired head coach Dave Hakstol, the team announced.

The following day, ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan revealed live on TV that the team decided to part ways with Hakstol after several exit interviews with 'prominent' Kraken players went south. Reportedly, several players mentioned that they would not like to come back to the team next season if Hakstol is still the coach.

Interesting report from @emilymkaplan on ESPN's The Point regarding Dave Hakstol.

Kaplan says she was told that at exit meetings, a handful of "pretty significant players" made it clear to management that they "don't want to play on this team in the future if Dave Hakstol is still the coach." #SEAKraken

Today, Kraken veteran and alternate captain Jordan Eberle took to the media to refute Kaplan's claims. However, he did phrase things in a way that makes it sound like some players were perhaps still not happy with the coach. He simply said that on one gave an 'ultimatum' during their exit interview about Hakstol. This could technically still be true even if several players did express a desire to move on from the coach.

Jordan Eberle with @IanKJRFOX on the report that certain players wouldn't play for Dave Hakstol:

"That's just not how we operate as a group or as an organization."

Regardless, the Kraken will look to bounce back next season with a new bench boss at the helm. The organization will be looking to make the playoffs for the second time in franchise history.

Source: BladeofSteel
Media once again accused of lying after report on Dave Hakstol