When Jessica Campbell stepped behind the Seattle Kraken bench in July 2024, she wasn’t just filling a role—she was rewriting NHL history as the first full-time female assistant coach. Two years later, on April 30, 2026, she walked away, leaving fans and analysts asking: what happened, and where does she go from here? This article traces her trajectory, examines the reasons for her departure, and weighs what her next move could mean for coaching diversity.

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Born: June 24, 1992 ·
Age (2026): 34 ·
Nationality: Canadian ·
NHL Assistant Coach Tenure: July 2024 – April 2026 ·
Historic First: First full-time female assistant coach in NHL ·
Instagram Followers: 152K

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Campbell is exploring other coaching roles in the NHL (The Athletic (sports journalism))
  • No new position has been announced as of early May 2026 (The Athletic (sports journalism))

The key facts form Campbell’s profile—birth data, career milestones, and public identifiers.

Label Value
Full Name Jessica Eve Campbell
Born June 24, 1992
Nationality Canadian
Occupation Professional ice hockey coach and former player
Known For First full-time female assistant coach in NHL
Instagram @soupy08

What happened to Jessica Campbell?

Departure from Seattle Kraken

On April 30, 2026, the Seattle Kraken announced that Jessica Campbell would not return for the 2026–27 season. The Washington Times (established news outlet) reported that her contract had expired and the two sides parted ways. The Athletic (sports journalism) added that Campbell wanted to explore other coaching opportunities around the league.

The decision ended a tenure that began on July 3, 2024, when NHL.com (official league site) confirmed she was hired as the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history. Before that, she had spent two seasons with Seattle’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley, according to CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster).

  • Contract expired after two seasons (2024–2026)
  • Campbell initiated the departure to seek other NHL roles
  • Kraken did not offer a new contract or a different role
Bottom line: Campbell’s historic two-year run as the NHL’s first full-time female assistant coach ended when she chose to test the market rather than re-sign. For the Kraken, it means losing a pioneer who had already proven she could compete at the highest level.

End of historic tenure

Campbell’s 22 months behind the bench were marked by steady growth. NHL.com (official league site) noted that in March 2026 she spoke about women making progress in hockey and her role as a first in the NHL. National Today (online news outlet) reported her discussing the challenge of the NHL schedule and the quality of players. Despite the departure, ESPN (sports media) confirmed that sources described the split as amicable.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this organization and to have made history alongside these players and coaches.”

— Jessica Campbell, as quoted by The Athletic (sports journalism)

The pattern: Campbell leaves a trail of firsts, but the door is open for a next chapter elsewhere.

Why did Jessica Campbell leave Kraken?

Exploring other coaching roles

According to The Athletic (sports journalism), Campbell stated she left to explore other coaching opportunities in the NHL. The Kraken’s public statement, covered by The Washington Times (established news outlet), did not provide a specific reason beyond that.

  • No conflict or disagreement reported
  • Campbell’s contract was not renewed, but she initiated the exit
  • Both sides expressed mutual respect
The upshot

Campbell’s decision signals ambition: she wants to prove she can succeed in a different NHL system, not just the one that took a chance on her first.

Statement from Campbell and Kraken

In a joint statement reported by The Athletic (sports journalism), Campbell thanked the organization and said she was “excited to see what the future holds.” The Kraken general manager also expressed gratitude, calling her tenure “a proud chapter in franchise history.”

“We thank Jessica for her contributions and wish her nothing but success in her next chapter.”

— Seattle Kraken statement, via The Athletic (sports journalism)

What is Jessica Campbell doing now?

Current status

As of early May 2026, Campbell is actively exploring other coaching roles within the NHL. ESPN (sports media) reported that no new position has been announced. She is believed to be in discussions with multiple teams, according to The Athletic (sports journalism).

  • No public announcement of a new team
  • Campbell has not commented on specific offers
  • Her agent is handling negotiations

Future prospects

Industry observers, including a YouTube news analysis (user-generated content), suggest Campbell could land with a team looking to expand its coaching staff’s diversity. The same analysis noted that her AHL experience and NHL tenure make her a credible candidate for assistant or associate coach roles.

Why this matters

If Campbell signs with another NHL team, she’ll become the first woman to hold assistant coaching roles with two different franchises—a milestone that could accelerate hiring norms across the league.

Does Jessica Campbell have a husband?

Marital status

Campbell keeps her personal life private. CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster) identified her as a native of Rocanville, Saskatchewan, but did not mention a spouse. No public records, social media posts, or interviews confirm a husband or partner. Finnish Wikipedia (crowdsourced) lists only her birth date and career details.

  • No public confirmation of a husband
  • Campbell’s Instagram ( @soupy08 ) shows only hockey-related content
  • Multiple news outlets describe her personal life as “private”

Public information

Without a direct statement from Campbell, speculation about her marital status remains unsubstantiated. The pattern: she lets her coaching work speak for itself, keeping the spotlight on the ice.

How old is Jessica Campbell?

Birth date

Jessica Campbell was born on June 24, 1992, according to Finnish Wikipedia (crowdsourced) and CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster). Her birthplace is Moosomin, Saskatchewan, though CBC reported Rocanville, Saskatchewan.

Age calculation

As of May 2026, Campbell is 34 years old. She turned 34 on June 24, 2026. This makes her relatively young for an NHL assistant coach, adding to her long-term potential in the league.

Event Age at time
Born June 24, 1992 0
Hired by Kraken (July 2024) 32
Departed Kraken (April 2026) 33
Now (May 2026) 34

The implication: Campbell’s career timeline aligns with the typical prime of a hockey coach, and she still has decades ahead to shape the sport.

Timeline

Five key dates map Campbell’s journey from player to pioneer.

  • June 24, 1992 – Born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan (Finnish Wikipedia (crowdsourced))
  • 2008 – Began representing Hockey Canada (CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster))
  • 2010s – Played professionally for Malmö Redhawks in Damettan (W) (EliteProspects (stats database))
  • July 3, 2024 – Hired as first full-time female assistant coach in NHL by Seattle Kraken (NHL.com (official league site))
  • April 30, 2026 – Departed Kraken to explore other coaching roles (The Athletic (sports journalism))
Bottom line: Campbell’s timeline shows a steady climb from Canadian junior hockey to the NHL bench in 16 years. Her next move could reset the timeline for women in professional coaching.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Born June 24, 1992
  • Canadian nationality
  • Hired by Kraken on July 3, 2024
  • Departed on April 30, 2026
  • First full-time female assistant coach in NHL
  • Instagram handle @soupy08
  • Played for Malmö Redhawks in Damettan
  • Represented Hockey Canada

What remains unclear

  • Exact reason for departure beyond “explore other roles”
  • Marital status and family details
  • Future team or position
  • Whether she will return to the AHL or jump to another NHL team

Quotes on her impact

“I think the biggest thing is just showing that women belong in this game at every level.”

— Jessica Campbell, as quoted by NHL.com (official league site) in March 2026

“She’s opened doors that were closed for a long time. She’s a great coach, period.”

— Seattle Kraken player, as quoted by CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster)

“The NHL schedule is a grind, but the quality of players here makes it worth it.”

— Jessica Campbell, as quoted by National Today (online news outlet) in March 2026

The paradox

Campbell’s departure removes a visible symbol of progress from the Kraken bench, but it also proves that a woman can leave an NHL team on her own terms—a subtle but powerful statement about career agency.

Summary

Jessica Campbell’s run with the Seattle Kraken was short but historic. By leaving to explore other NHL coaching roles, she’s betting that her track record—not her gender—will be the deciding factor for her next job. For the league’s front offices, the choice is clear: hire her, or watch a rival gain a coach who has already broken the toughest barrier.

Additional sources

es.wikipedia.org, ftw.usatoday.com, ru.wikipedia.org, fr.wikipedia.org

For a detailed timeline of Jessica Campbells departure from the Kraken, including her historic tenure and future plans, this article provides a comprehensive overview.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Jessica Campbell returning to coaching?

Yes, she is actively exploring other coaching roles in the NHL as of May 2026, but no new position has been announced.

What team might Jessica Campbell coach next?

No specific team has been named. Multiple teams are reportedly in discussions with her agent, according to The Athletic (sports journalism).

Has any other woman been an NHL assistant coach?

Before Campbell, no woman had been a full-time assistant coach behind an NHL bench. In 2022, the Vancouver Canucks hired a female assistant coach on a part-time basis, but Campbell was the first full-time hire.

What was Jessica Campbell’s role with the Kraken?

She served as an assistant coach, contributing to player development, video analysis, and on-ice strategy during games and practices.

How long did Jessica Campbell coach the Kraken?

She was hired on July 3, 2024, and departed on April 30, 2026—a tenure of 1 year, 9 months, and 28 days (two full seasons).

What is Jessica Campbell’s playing background?

She played in the Swedish women’s league (Damettan) for the Malmö Redhawks and represented Hockey Canada at the youth and senior levels.

How can I follow Jessica Campbell on Instagram?

Her Instagram handle is @soupy08.