Jessica Campbell is set to begin a new chapter in her hockey career after reportedly joining the New Jersey Devils as the organization’s Manager of Player Development. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported on September 16, 2026, that Campbell is among two high-profile additions to the Devils’ organization.
Campbell arrives in New Jersey after spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken. Her move marks another significant step in a coaching career that has already broken new ground in the NHL.
Jessica Campbell’s New Devils Role
According to the report, Jessica Campbell will take over as the New Jersey Devils’ Manager of Player Development. The organization is also bringing in longtime Panthers executive Bryan McCabe as vice president of prospect personnel.
Campbell’s new position will place her in a development-focused role, working with players and prospects as they progress through the Devils’ system.
Her appointment comes after the Seattle Kraken confirmed in April that Campbell would leave the organization after completing her contract. The Kraken said at the time that Campbell wanted to explore other coaching opportunities around the NHL.
Campbell Made NHL History With Seattle
Jessica Campbell joined the Kraken in July 2024 after working with Seattle’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. She became the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history.
Before reaching the NHL, Campbell spent two seasons with the Firebirds. During that period, she helped the team reach the Calder Cup Final in consecutive seasons.
Her experience across professional and developmental hockey makes her transition to a player-development position with the Devils a continuation of the work she has already been doing throughout her coaching career.
Jessica Campbell’s Playing Career
Before moving into coaching, Campbell enjoyed a successful playing career. A graduate of Cornell University, she played professional hockey for the Calgary Inferno in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and Malmö Redhawks in Sweden.
With Calgary, Campbell was part of the team that won the Clarkson Cup in 2016.
She also represented Canada internationally and made her debut with the country’s national women’s program in 2008. During her junior international career, Campbell won two U18 Women’s World Championship medals and was named the IIHF Directorate’s Most Valuable Player in 2010.
Campbell finished her U18 career tied with Marie-Philip Poulin for Canada’s all-time program scoring lead, recording 33 points from 14 goals and 19 assists.
From Player to NHL Coach
Campbell retired from playing in 2017 and quickly transitioned into coaching. She worked as a lead power-skating instructor and assistant coach at the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Her coaching career later included opportunities in Germany, Sweden and the American Hockey League before she reached the NHL with Seattle.
The move to the Devils gives Campbell another opportunity to apply her experience as both a former player and professional coach to the development of emerging NHL talent.
What’s Next for Jessica Campbell?
Jessica Campbell’s move to New Jersey adds another notable chapter to her hockey career. After making history with the Kraken, she will now take on a management position focused on player development with the Devils.
The role gives Campbell a new path within NHL hockey while allowing her to remain involved in developing players and prospects. Her combination of international playing experience, professional hockey background and NHL coaching experience will now be part of New Jersey’s player-development structure.
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