Stability and long tenure are not typically associated with head coaching positions in the NHL. The league currently faces multiple vacancies, including with the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken. Speculation also surrounds potential openings in other cities like Vancouver and Pittsburgh.
As Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs noted, head coaches usually have a significantly shorter lifespan in their roles compared to general managers or team presidents. This is often attributed to coaches potentially losing the players` attention over time.
Due to salary cap constraints and contract limitations, teams cannot easily overhaul their rosters when performance dips. Since general managers are unlikely to dismiss themselves, the coach frequently bears the responsibility when a team underperforms or needs a new strategic direction. This results in NHL coaches having a shorter average tenure than their counterparts in other major North American sports.
Data from hockey analyst Shayna Goldman shows that the average tenure for an NHL coach, even after recent changes this season, stands at just 2.3 years. This is notably shorter than in MLB (4.3 years), NBA (4.1 years), and NFL (4.0 years).
Last season alone saw eleven coaching changes, occurring either during the season or after teams were eliminated from playoff contention.
Neil Glasberg, president and CEO of PBI Sports & Entertainment, highlighted that the current season continues this trend of significant turnover in a performance-driven industry. He pointed out that frequent coaching changes can be challenging for players who constantly need to adapt to new communication styles and messages. Each change requires a “reset” for the players, which Glasberg believes is happening too often.
While more changes are anticipated soon, the pool of potential candidates for these openings is quite diverse. Although some prominent veteran coaches will inevitably be considered for new roles, agents like Ian Greengross of PowerPlay Management see opportunities for new faces to enter the NHL coaching ranks.
Greengross identified two common paths for newcomers: spending time as head coaches, primarily in the AHL, or gaining experience as head coaches in junior leagues before advancing to the NHL. He believes there is less bias than before against hiring someone without previous NHL head coaching experience, acknowledging that every successful NHL coach was a first-time head coach at some point.
Here`s a look at potential head coaching candidates for this offseason, categorized by their backgrounds and situations:
The Big Bosses
- Rick Tocchet, Vancouver Canucks
- Jay Woodcroft
Rick Tocchet, aged 61, won the Jack Adams Award last season but coached a tumultuous Canucks campaign in 2024-25 that ended outside the playoffs. Speculation about his future in Vancouver has been ongoing. Canucks president Jim Rutherford indicated Tocchet might be considering other options, and while negotiations are underway, a resolution is expected soon.
An NHL source suggested Tocchet might be seeking a significant contract, possibly around $5 million annually over five years. Another source noted that while Vancouver is strongly pushing to retain him, there`s also talk he could be heading to the Flyers within the week.
Indeed, many sources anticipate Philadelphia could be Tocchet`s next destination if he departs Vancouver, given his 11 seasons playing there. He was a candidate for the Flyers job in 2022 before John Tortorella was hired. Sources felt his return to Philly was highly likely unless something unexpected happened, noting his affection for the city but also the need for alignment with the team`s plan and timeline.
Some question whether adding Tocchet would result in too many former Flyers personnel in leadership roles, alongside President Keith Jones, GM Daniel Briere, and special advisers John LeClair and Patrick Sharp. One source pondered if it might start looking like an alumni group is running the team.
However, other opportunities exist. The Kraken, who surprisingly fired head coach Dan Bylsma after just one season, could be a possibility. Newly promoted GM Jason Botterill worked with Tocchet during their time together in Pittsburgh (2014-17), where they won two Stanley Cups. Tocchet was also a teammate of team president Ron Francis with the Penguins, winning a Cup in the 1990s. His son lives in Seattle, and Tocchet previously interviewed with the Kraken during their initial coaching search.
The Rangers could also be a strong fit if Tocchet prefers a team closer to championship contention. He interviewed with them four years ago before Gerard Gallant was hired. The team boasts strong foundational players like defenseman Adam Fox and goalie Igor Shesterkin. In an ironic twist, he might even be reunited with forward J.T. Miller, whose locker room issues with star center Elias Pettersson led to Vancouver trading Miller away, contributing to the drama that affected Tocchet`s team this season.
Jay Woodcroft, 48, is another former head coach receiving significant attention. He was dismissed by the Edmonton Oilers after just 13 games in the 2023-24 season, subsequently watching his former team reach within one win of the Stanley Cup Final under his successor. Despite the abrupt ending, “Woody” achieved a .643 winning percentage in 133 games with the Oilers, leveraging the talent of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl while navigating the team`s other challenges.
Woodcroft was a finalist for openings with the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets last offseason. Over the past year, he has actively worked to enhance his coaching skills, including attending Flyers training camp and visiting teams in Europe. Known as an intelligent and articulate coach with a successful record, he is widely expected to secure one of the current vacant positions.
The Great Unknowns
- Joel Quenneville
- Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins
These two coaches, both multiple Stanley Cup winners, could significantly alter the coaching landscape this offseason.
Mike Sullivan remains under contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins through the 2026-27 season. Despite the team missing the playoffs for three consecutive years, Sullivan has consistently stated his intention to stay, reiterating this on April 18.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas also expressed the expectation that Sullivan will be the head coach next season, noting his clear intentions communicated both publicly and privately. Many sources believe the decision to leave Pittsburgh ultimately rests with Sullivan, who has strong support from ownership group Fenway Sports, evidenced by his contract extension. Sources don`t foresee him being fired, suggesting he might consider stepping away after discussing future plans with Dubas.
If Sullivan were to become available, the Rangers are seen as a team that would aggressively pursue him.
Whether teams would pursue Joel Quenneville, however, remains uncertain.
Quenneville, 66, ranks second in NHL career coaching wins (969) and has won the Stanley Cup three times. He has been out of the league since October 2021, when he resigned as coach of the Florida Panthers following an independent investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks` handling of a sexual assault allegation in 2010. The investigation implicated Quenneville and other former Blackhawks leaders for their inaction.
While the NHL didn`t formally suspend Quenneville, former GM Stan Bowman, and director of hockey administration Al MacIsaac, it initially stated they were “ineligible to work for any NHL team.” All three were reinstated last June to seek employment, with Bowman later becoming general manager of the Oilers.
The league`s statement upon reinstatement acknowledged that their past responses were “unacceptable” but noted that each individual had shown remorse and engaged in activities demonstrating greater awareness of leadership responsibilities. At the time of Quenneville`s reinstatement, only the Blue Jackets were seeking a coach. Now, there are several potential opportunities for his return.
One NHL source commented that Quenneville “should be back next season,” and one executive linked him to the opening with the Bruins.
Quenneville was previously linked to the Rangers two years ago when Peter Laviolette was hired, but his eligibility was in question then. While he is now cleared, the timing might still be complicated, especially for the Rangers, given recent reports concerning sexual assault allegations involving MSG and a prominent player, as noted by The Athletic`s Arthur Staple.
Another NHL source suggested it would require a team willing to endure potential negative public relations to hire him, believing a team would need to justify the decision by arguing he has “done his time” and is the right fit.
However, not everyone believes Quenneville`s return is imminent. One source opined that it would be “way too much of a PR nightmare for any team” and predicted he would not be hired this summer, arguing that teams would spend the entire year defending a situation he created.
The Collegiate Valedictorian
- David Carle, University of Denver
David Carle, 35, has coached the University of Denver for the past seven seasons, securing two NCAA national championships and reaching the Frozen Four twice more. It`s rare for a college coach to attract as much NHL interest as Carle, who is widely seen as a bright, successful, and rapidly rising star due to his NCAA success and consecutive gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships.
Carle had an initial exploratory conversation with the Devils last summer but has not yet gone through a formal NHL interview process. An NHL source indicated he is content at Denver, where he has lifetime status, and is waiting for the “perfect moment” rather than rushing into just any NHL job, especially at his young age. Given his current stability, many believe he would seek a long-term contract, potentially five years, to make the jump, to avoid the “NHL coaching treadmill” of frequent firings and rehirings.
Despite his patience, many believe the opportunity for Carle has arrived, with potential suitors like the Blackhawks and Rangers being discussed. Sources feel that if he leaves Denver, it will be for a significant opportunity in terms of prestige and compensation.
Chicago has been most prominently linked to Carle in this hiring cycle. A source mentioned that GM Kyle Davidson has cultivated a relationship with Carle over recent years, visiting him multiple times. Carle, a young coach, could develop alongside the rebuilding Blackhawks, and securing him on a long-term deal might also bolster Davidson`s job security as he works to return Chicago to contention.
Carle reportedly prefers not to take over a team in the later, declining stages of a rebuild. The Blackhawks performed better than expected in the final part of the season, and the Ducks showed a significant year-over-year improvement. Whether this is enough in either case to attract Carle is a question.
Anaheim currently possesses more established talent on its NHL roster than Chicago. The Ducks also benefit from strong ownership and management, excellent facilities, and a less intense media environment compared to Chicago. They should not be overlooked as a possibility for Carle.
Ultimately, his current position at the University of Denver might remain the leading option for Carle for the 2025-26 season. As one NHL source quipped, “All they have to do is turn on the lights at Denver and the best players show up.”
The Fresh Firings
- Drew Bannister
- Dan Bylsma
- Greg Cronin
- Derek Lalonde
- Peter Laviolette
- Luke Richardson
- John Tortorella
Recent firings, often labeled as “surprises,” become less so as details emerge. Multiple sources indicated issues between Dan Bylsma and Kraken management during a challenging season, citing personality clashes and dissatisfaction with the team`s on-ice style and structure by then-GM (now President) Ron Francis. Bylsma`s return to the NHL bench lasted just one season despite AHL success.
Peter Laviolette, 60, and John Tortorella are among the most experienced and frequently hired coaches. Laviolette is seeking his seventh NHL head coaching job after being fired by the Rangers last week. His career includes coaching 1,594 regular-season games and leading five of the Metro Division`s eight teams since 2001. He guided the Rangers to the Presidents` Trophy in 2023-24.
John Tortorella will be seeking his sixth head coaching role after being dismissed by the Flyers. While he hasn`t made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, he managed to coach a Philadelphia team with perceived flaws to a respectable .530 points percentage in 2023-24. With the 66-year-old coach, expectations are clear: expect gritty effort, a defense-first approach, and a tough-love style that may not resonate with all young offensive players.
The Well-Traveled
- Guy Boucher, Omsk (KHL)
- Bruce Boudreau
- Dallas Eakins, Adler Mannheim (German Deutsche Eishockey Liga)
- Gerard Gallant
- Dave Hakstol
- Claude Julien, St. Louis Blues (Assistant)
- David Quinn, Pittsburgh Penguins (Assistant)
- Todd Richards, Minnesota Wild (Assistant)
- John Stevens, Vegas Golden Knights (Assistant)
- Mike Yeo, Ottawa Senators (Assistant)
This group includes current NHL assistant coaches. Claude Julien is a prominent name, having joined St. Louis last summer to mentor the coaching staff, remaining after Jim Montgomery was hired earlier this season. A Jack Adams and Stanley Cup winner with the Bruins, he hasn`t been a head coach since leaving Montreal in 2020 but expressed openness to another opportunity last year.
Gerard Gallant, 61, is another coach to watch. He won the Jack Adams Award and is known as a “players` coach.” He was fired by the Rangers in 2023 and is seeking his fifth NHL head coaching position.
Looking for a Second Chance
- Jeff Blashill, Tampa Bay Lightning (Assistant)
- Jack Capuano, Ottawa Senators (Assistant)
- Jeremy Colliton, New Jersey Devils (Assistant)
- Kevin Dineen
- Dominique Ducharme, Vegas Golden Knights (Assistant)
- Don Granato
- Phil Housley
- Lane Lambert, Toronto Maple Leafs (Assistant)
- Kirk Muller, Washington Capitals (Assistant)
- Davis Payne, Winnipeg Jets (Assistant)
- Todd Reirden, Pittsburgh Penguins (Assistant)
- D.J. Smith, Los Angeles Kings (Assistant)
- Geoff Ward, Lausanne Hockey Club (Swiss Hockey League)
- Trent Yawney, Detroit Red Wings (Assistant)
This tier features coaches who had previous head coaching stints and are now seeking another opportunity, many currently serving as assistants. Lane Lambert, Kirk Muller, and Todd Reirden are notable names who struggled in their first head coaching roles but have valuable experience as assistants. Lambert, respected as Barry Trotz`s former right-hand man, coached the Islanders for 127 games before becoming an associate coach. Muller coached Carolina after being a star assistant but missed the playoffs in three seasons. Reirden is highly regarded for coaching defensemen but was let go in Washington after failing to advance past the first playoff round following their Stanley Cup win.
Jeff Blashill is seen as an ideal candidate for a second chance. He took over in Detroit at 42, made the playoffs in 2015-16, but then missed the postseason for six years as the team rebuilt. Serving as an assistant in Tampa Bay under Jon Cooper since then, he has gained new experience. Sources suggest Anaheim could be a likely fit due to their needs and Blashill`s history with GM Pat Verbeek from their time in Detroit.
Don Granato, 57, is another popular coach to watch. He coached the Buffalo Sabres for parts of four seasons, leading them to their best points percentage (.555) during their 14-season playoff drought. He could be considered for another NHL head coaching role.
Notable Assistants Seeking a First Chance
- Jessica Campbell, Seattle Kraken
- Blaine Forsythe, Utah Hockey Club
- Jeff Halpern, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Jay Leach, Boston Bruins
- Mitch Love, Washington Capitals
- John Madden, Utah Hockey Club
- Dan Muse, New York Rangers
- Steve Ott, St. Louis Blues
- Michael Peca, New York Rangers
- Marc Savard, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Chris Taylor, New Jersey Devils
- Mike Van Ryn, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Mike Vellucci, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Joel Ward, Vegas Golden Knights
Jessica Campbell made history as the first woman behind an NHL bench, signing with the Kraken when Dan Bylsma, her AHL coach, was promoted. While reports noting her retention after Bylsma`s firing drew attention, all three Kraken assistants (Campbell, Bob Woods, Dave Lowry) were kept on. New GM Jason Botterill confirmed Campbell would return, praising her work with young players, though multiple sources believe she might transition to a different role, perhaps an “eye in the sky” coach, rather than remaining a bench coach under a new head coach.
Jay Leach was passed over for the Bruins` interim job in favor of Joe Sacco, but is expected to interview for the current opening.
Mike Vellucci, an assistant under Mike Sullivan in Pittsburgh for five seasons and a Calder Cup winner with Charlotte in 2019, recently boosted his profile by joining Ryan Warsofsky`s Team USA staff for the IIHF World Championships. He was previously a candidate for the Ducks job before Greg Cronin was hired.
Mitch Love, a successful assistant with the Capitals under Spencer Carbery after head coaching stints in the WHL and AHL, is another name. He focuses on defense for Washington and has interviewed for previous NHL jobs. Carbery`s success might indirectly benefit Love`s candidacy.
AHL Coaches
- Cam Abbott, Chicago Wolves
- John Gruden, Toronto Marlies
- Ian Laperriere, Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Manny Malhotra, Abbotsford Canucks
- Matt McIlvane, San Diego Gulls
- Todd Nelson, Hershey Bears
- Marco Sturm, Ontario Reign
- Karl Taylor, Milwaukee Admirals
- Pascal Vincent, Laval Rocket
Todd Nelson and Marco Sturm are two names particularly worth watching from the AHL. Nelson coached 51 games for the Oilers as a midseason replacement in 2014-15 but hasn`t returned to an NHL bench since. His subsequent success, including three Calder Cup championships in his last four AHL seasons with Grand Rapids and Hershey, makes him a strong candidate for another NHL opportunity. His Bears, the Capitals` affiliate, are aiming for a third consecutive Cup, and teams might wait for his availability.
Marco Sturm played 938 NHL games as a forward before becoming an assistant coach for the Kings and then head coach of their AHL affiliate in Ontario. He was considered for the Kings and Sharks jobs last summer. Anaheim could be a possibility, potentially completing a California coaching connection.
Pascal Vincent, named AHL coach of the year with Laval, experienced a brief and challenging tenure as Blue Jackets head coach, stepping in after Mike Babcock`s resignation before being replaced by a new management team. His AHL success represents a redemption arc.
While potentially a bit early, Manny Malhotra is in his first season as an AHL head coach after serving as an assistant in Toronto and Vancouver. However, he had an outstanding season with the Abbotsford Canucks. If Rick Tocchet leaves Vancouver, it`s not out of the question that Malhotra could be considered for a promotion.
Shatter the Mold
- Kori Cheverie, Montreal Victoire (PWHL)
- Julie Chu/Caroline Ouellette, Concordia University
- Pat Ferschweiler, Western Michigan
- Rikard Grönborg, Tappara (SM-liiga)
- Olli Jokinen, Timrå IK (SHL)
- Joel Martin, Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL)
- Jay Pandolfo, Boston University
- Jason Payne, formerly Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)
Coaches from other leagues and levels also present intriguing possibilities. Pat Ferschweiler of Western Michigan and Jay Pandolfo of Boston University, whose teams recently faced off in the NCAA championship, could receive looks. Ferschweiler previously served as an assistant with the Red Wings, and Pandolfo was an assistant with the Bruins.
Kori Cheverie, 37, was a pioneer as the first woman behind the bench in Canadian men`s college hockey and coached the Montreal Victoire to a first-place finish in her second PWHL season.
Joel Martin and Jason Payne were trailblazers in the ECHL. A game they coached against each other in 2024 was believed to be the first time in North American men`s pro hockey history that two Black head coaches opposed each other. Martin is in his third season with Kalamazoo, while Payne recently departed the Cyclones.
Internationally, Rikard Grönborg has been on the radar, and Olli Jokinen gained recent attention with a viral locker room speech.
Finally, Julie Chu and Caroline Ouellette, former rivals on the U.S. and Canadian women`s national teams and now married, coach the championship-winning Concordia Stingers women`s team. A package deal like theirs would truly shatter traditional coaching norms.
