Media once again accused of lying after report on Dave Hakstol
Seattle Kraken assistant captain Jordan Eberle has responded to report that top players with the team were responsible for getting coach Dave Hakstol fired
Dave Hakstol had already signed an extension with the Seattle Kraken that hadn't even kicked in yet when he was fired as head coach of the team this week. GM Ron Francis had nothing but praise for Hakstol and his three years with the Kraken, but said the team wanted to move in a different direction. Then came the report that players had a hand in getting Hakstol fired.
ESPN's Emily Kaplan was the first to report that "significant players" with the Kraken told Francis in their end-of-season interview that they likely wouldn't remain with the team if Hakstol continued as coach.
"I was told at the exit meetings with players, there were a handful of players, and pretty significant players, who made it clear to management 'I don't want to play on this team in the future if Dave Hakstol is still the coach. That forced them to make a change."
Kraken assistant captain Jordan Eberle was asked about that report during a radio interview, and denied it, calling the report disappointing.
"By no means did anyone go in with an ultimatum. It's just not how our team operates or how our group operates."
Eberle added the report wasn't fair to his former coach, and that he has nothing but respect for Hakstol.
Francis told reporters that the search for a new coach for the Seattle Kraken has already begun. Several reporters have linked current Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour to the job. Brind'Amour and Francis are former teammates, co-workers, and great friends.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Kaplan's report was true, or is Eberle being completely honest? | ||
| Kaplan is likely right | 48 | 18 % |
| Eberle is being truthful | 127 | 47.7 % |
| I'm not sure | 91 | 34.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
