Pascal Vincent resigned as head coach of the Laval Rocket on June 11, 2026, to take an assistant coaching position with the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League. The move ends his two‑season stint leading the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate and brings him to the Pacific Northwest.
Vincent assumed responsibility for the Rocket ahead of the 2024‑25 campaign and remained in charge for two full seasons. During that time he supervised the development of prospects within the Montreal Canadiens organization and directed the team through the regular season and playoff schedules typical of the American Hockey League.
Both the Laval Rocket and the Seattle Kraken announced the staff change on the same day. The Kraken confirmed that Vincent will join their coaching staff in Seattle, Washington, as an assistant coach. In his new capacity he will work alongside the franchise’s head coach and contribute to the team’s preparation and strategy at the NHL level.
The Rocket, as the primary development pipeline for the Canadiens, will now begin a search for a new head coach. The organization indicated that it will evaluate both internal and external candidates to maintain continuity for its roster of emerging players.
Vincent’s shift from an AHL head‑coaching role to an NHL assistant position reflects a common career progression for coaches seeking advancement within professional hockey. His two years of experience guiding a top development club are expected to add depth to Seattle’s coaching personnel as the Kraken prepare for the upcoming season.
The departure also underscores the fluid nature of coaching staff movements between the AHL and NHL, with clubs regularly exchanging personnel to address strategic needs. Vincent’s background in Montreal’s system and his recent success with the Rocket position him to contribute to the Kraken’s objectives in the years ahead.