McFarland, Leach Join Kraken Coaching Staff

When Dave Hakstol was announced as the Kraken's first head coach in late June, it was clear he was empowered to choose his assistant coaches. His first two selections are Paul McFarland, an NHL assistant coach with Florida and Toronto, and Jay Leach, head coach of the American Hockey League's Providence franchise, top affiliate of the Boston Bruins.
"We're very excited to add two talented hockey minds in Paul and Jay to our inaugural staff," said Hakstol, who said McFarland would focus on forwards and the powerplay while Leach, a former NHL defenseman, will be responsible for the Kraken's defense corps.

"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."
"Paul and Jay are both bright, young coaches who are well respected for their abilities," said Ron Francis, Kraken GM. "They will work well with Dave in building a winning culture for our franchise."
McFarland and Hakstol coached together as assistants with Toronto during the 2019-20 season, first with Mike Babcock, then staying on staff when the Maple Leafs replaced Babcock with Sheldon Keefe.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with this organization, starting with Ron, as part of the expansion process," said McFarland during an exclusive interview Monday. "Anytime you work with somebody with the schedule demands of the NHL, you get to know that person. Dave and I got along great.
"I look forward to working with Dave again, plus Jay and the rest of the staff. As coaches, we're most excited about getting on the ice for training camp with our players."
Before taking NHL roles in Florida (2017-18 and 2018-19) and Toronto, McFarland, 35, got his break in coaching as an assistant to D.J. Smith for the junior OHL Oshawa Generals. Smith, now head coach of the NHL Ottawa Senators, left Oshawa in 2015 and McFarland moved to a head coaching job with the OHL Kingston Frontenacs. His Kingston teams notched a record of 111-71-22 and three straight OHL playoff berths.

The Ontario-born McFarland played most of his OHL juniors career for the Kitchener Rangers, winning the hallowed Memorial Cup championship in 2003 under Peter DeBoer, now head coach of Kraken division rival Vegas.
The new Seattle assistant played four years for Acadia University in Nova Scotia, captaining the team for his final three seasons. It's where McFarland "realized how much I loved coaching."
"Next to playing, coaching is the next best thing," said McFarland. "You feel all the highs and lows of games and the season. I enjoy helping players get better and working with them on a daily basis. The biggest thing, especially at the NHL level, is players have to know you care about them."
As head coach for the AHL Providence Bruins, Jay Leach lived that same intention to show players he and the coaching staff focused on them as individuals and, simply said, humans.
"When I had my first meeting in Providence, I said, 'We say "hi" here. We look each other in the eyes and treat people with respect. We do the little things, which become big things."
For Leach, it translated to a 136-77-26 record over four seasons as head coach, qualifying for the playoffs each season and finishing the last two AHL shortened season in first place of the Atlantic division.
Leach coached and developed some of Boston's standout younger players and prospects, including defensemen Charlie McAvoy, Jeremy Lauzon and Connor Clifton plus center Trent Frederic.
"I enjoyed all of it [in Providence] and learned a lot," says Leach. "It is exciting to be part of a brand-new NHL team from the ground up, especially under Dave and Ron in one of the best cities I have ever visited.

"There is something to be said about coaching the best players in the world at the highest level [in the NHL]."
Working with Hakstol and Francis was irresistible for Leach: "I have to say the biggest reason for making the move is working with Dave, who stands for integrity of playing the game the right way.
"The way Ron played and runs a team as general manager says a lot about wanting players with a high hockey IQ [awareness of the players, opponents and puck on the ice] and competitiveness."
Leach's hockey journey as a player is worth taking pause: He is a Syracuse, NY, native who played four years as a solid defenseman for Providence College before moving on to an 11-season professional career with five NHL teams, eight AHL teams (including the Providence Bruins) and four ECHL teams. His first two NHL games were with his favorite team, Boston, for which his uncle, Steve, played five seasons during his 11-year NHL career.
Leach appeared in 70 NHL games for Boston, New Jersey, San Jose, Montreal and Tampa Bay. He captained three different AHL teams and wore the "C" for Providence College as senior. When his playing career ended, Leach sought an opportunity to coach in Germany.
"I think it shows a love for the game," said Leach. "I have met so many people along the way who have helped me understand the relationships needed to be a successful hockey team."
For Leach and his new colleague, McFarland, there is agreement on preparation as a key element of success as the inaugural season rolls out.
"We will be prepared," said McFarland. "We will help Dave realize his vision."