Taking a head coaching job in the National Hockey League is rarely about securing long-term tenure or stability.
As of now, six NHL teams have coaching vacancies: the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken. The hockey community is also closely watching situations in places like Vancouver and Pittsburgh for potential additional openings.
“The lifespan of a head coach is considerably shorter than that of a general manager or a team president,” noted Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs. “That`s just the nature of the role. You can hold players` attention for a specific timeframe, and occasionally, you lose it.”
Due to salary cap restrictions and contract limitations, teams cannot simply “fire the players” when performance falters. General managers are obviously not inclined to dismiss themselves. Consequently, it is the coach who typically bears the responsibility when a team fails to meet expectations or when a franchise decides to pursue a new direction. This happens with greater frequency compared to coaches in other major sports.
According to data from hockey analyst Shayna Goldman, the average tenure for an NHL coach, even with the changes seen this season, stands at a mere 2.3 years. This is significantly shorter than the average in MLB (4.3 years), the NBA (4.1 years), and the NFL (4.0 years).
Last season alone saw eleven coaching changes, either mid-season or after teams were eliminated from playoff contention.
Neil Glasberg, who represents coaches as president and CEO of PBI Sports & Entertainment, described this season as another period of “extensive change in an industry heavily driven by performance in the standings.”
“It`s challenging for players to constantly adapt to and interpret messages from multiple head coaches in a short span,” Glasberg commented. “Each time a head coaching change occurs, players must essentially restart. It`s a reset, offering a new message. But the message shouldn`t need to change as frequently as it has been.”
More resets are anticipated in the coming weeks, but the pool of potential candidates to fill these openings is wider than ever before. While familiar big-name coaches who frequently return will undoubtedly be considered, agent Ian Greengross of PowerPlay Management believes there are distinct pathways for new talent to enter the coaching ranks.
“You really observe two primary routes,” he explained. “There are individuals who spend time primarily as head coaches in the AHL before getting their chance in the NHL. Then, for newcomers, you see those who coached successfully in junior leagues and subsequently ascended to the NHL.”
“I don`t think there`s as strong a bias now towards solely hiring someone who has prior NHL head coaching experience. Every coach in the NHL was, at one point, a first-time head coach.”
Here is an overview of potential head coaching candidates for this offseason, categorized by their background and profile, from prominent names and experienced options to unconventional choices.
The Top Contenders
- Rick Tocchet, Vancouver Canucks
- Jay Woodcroft
Rick Tocchet, 61, won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year last season, followed by a turbulent 2024-25 season in Vancouver that ended without a playoff berth.
Throughout the season, there was speculation that Tocchet might not return to Vancouver. Canucks president Jim Rutherford acknowledged that his coach “might have his thoughts elsewhere” when announcing the team would not exercise its option to prevent him from leaving. Contract discussions between Tocchet and the Canucks are ongoing and expected to be resolved soon.
An NHL source indicated that Tocchet might be seeking a contract worth around $5 million annually over five years for his next role.
“It`s not definite that he`s departing Vancouver,” another NHL source stated. “This situation is perplexing because there`s a strong desire to keep him. But I`ve also heard he could be with the Flyers within a week.”
Indeed, most sources we consulted anticipated Philadelphia as Tocchet`s likely next destination if he and the Canucks part ways. He played eleven seasons for the Flyers, bookending his career with stints in their organization. Tocchet was a candidate for the Flyers job in 2022 before they ultimately hired John Tortorella.
“I don`t see how he doesn`t end up back in Philly, barring any unforeseen circumstances,” another NHL source remarked.
“He has a strong affection for Philly,” another source added. “But he`ll need to be comfortable with their plan and timeline.”
Could hiring Tocchet add one too many former Flyers to Philadelphia`s leadership? President Keith Jones, GM Daniel Briere, and special advisers John LeClair and Patrick Sharp all previously played for Philadelphia.
“How many former Flyers are needed within the organization? At what point does it begin to resemble an alumni group managing the team?” one source mused.
However, there are other potential opportunities for Tocchet. Considering personal connections as a factor in his next move, what about the Kraken? They notably dismissed head coach Dan Bylsma after just one season.
Newly appointed GM Jason Botterill previously worked with Tocchet when Tocchet was an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2014-17, winning two Stanley Cups. Botterill was also a teammate of Kraken president Ron Francis with the Penguins in the 1990s, securing a Stanley Cup together. Furthermore, Tocchet`s son resides in Seattle. It`s worth recalling that Tocchet interviewed with Seattle when the expansion Kraken were searching for their inaugural coach.
The Rangers appear to be a suitable fit if Tocchet seeks a roster closer to championship contention. The team interviewed him four years ago before hiring Gerard Gallant. Similar to Vancouver, he would have a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman in Adam Fox and a Vezina Trophy-winning goalie in Igor Shesterkin as core pieces. And in a twist of fate, he would also be reunited with forward J.T. Miller, whom Vancouver traded away, ending the locker room tension between Miller and star center Elias Pettersson that arguably undermined Tocchet`s team this past season.
Another former head coach drawing significant attention is Jay Woodcroft, 48. He was let go by the Edmonton Oilers after just 13 games into the 2023-24 season, and subsequently watched his replacement guide the team to within one win of the Stanley Cup. “Woody” achieved a .643 winning percentage in 133 games with the Oilers, benefiting from having Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl but grappling with many other challenges on those rosters.
Woodcroft was a finalist for openings with the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets last offseason. Over the past year, he has traveled extensively to refine his coaching expertise, including visiting the Flyers training camp and observing teams in Europe. He is recognized as an intelligent, articulate coach with a proven track record. Many anticipate he will secure one of the current vacancies.
The Wildcards
- Joel Quenneville
- Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins
Either of these coaches, both multi-Stanley Cup winners, could significantly alter the coaching landscape this offseason.
Mike Sullivan is 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 remain. “My plan is to continue as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins,” he affirmed on April 18th.
GM Kyle Dubas stated the expectation is that Sullivan will be the Penguins` coach next season. “I believe he was very clear about his intentions last week and what he has expressed in our discussions,” Dubas commented.
Many sources assume that the decision of when to leave Pittsburgh rests with Sullivan himself. The Fenway Sports ownership group remains supportive, having awarded him his current contract extension.
“I simply don`t foresee him being dismissed,” an NHL source said. “I think it`s up to Sully to decide to step away, perhaps after a conversation with Kyle and hearing the team`s plans. Sully could change his mind.”
If Sullivan were to become available, the Rangers would likely aggressively pursue him.
Whether any team would be willing to hire Joel Quenneville remains uncertain.
Quenneville, 66, ranks second in career NHL 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. His resignation followed an independent investigation into how the Chicago Blackhawks handled a sexual assault allegation in 2010, which implicated Quenneville and other team leaders at the time for their inaction.
The NHL did not formally suspend Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, director of hockey administration Al MacIsaac, and Quenneville but declared them “ineligible to work for any NHL team.” The three were reinstated last June, allowing them to seek employment in the league, preceding Bowman`s later role as general manager of the Oilers.
“While it is evident that, at that time, their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals has acknowledged this and has used their time away from the game to engage in activities which not only demonstrate genuine remorse for what occurred but also show increased awareness of the responsibilities held by all NHL personnel, particularly those in leadership positions,” the league stated.
At the time of Quenneville`s reinstatement, only one team was looking for a coach: the Blue Jackets. Now, there are multiple potential opportunities for his return.
“Quenneville should be back coaching next season,” one NHL source commented.
One NHL executive connected Quenneville to the opening with the Bruins.
Quenneville`s name was associated with the Rangers two years ago, before they hired Peter Laviolette, when his eligibility to coach again was still in question. Although he is now cleared to coach, the timing might still be problematic. As noted by Arthur Staple, Rangers beat writer for The Athletic, that publication`s story last summer about star winger Artemi Panarin and MSG settling a sexual assault allegation could further complicate an already complex situation if New York were to consider hiring Quenneville, given his past history.
“It will require a team that can withstand public scrutiny and say, `He has served his time, and he is the right fit for this team,`” another NHL source suggested.
However, not everyone believes the path is clear for Quenneville. “It`s too significant a PR risk for any team. They would spend the entire year defending him for something he was involved in,” opined one NHL source who doubted Quenneville would be hired this summer.
The College Standout
- David Carle, University of Denver
David Carle, 35, has served as head coach at the University of Denver for the past seven seasons, guiding his team to two NCAA national championships and reaching the Frozen Four on two other occasions.
It is difficult to recall another college hockey coach who has been as highly sought after by NHL teams as Carle is. He is young, intelligent, successful, and widely regarded as a rising star in the coaching world, thanks to his NCAA titles and consecutive gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships.
Carle had a brief exploratory conversation with the Devils last summer but has not yet participated in a formal interview process with an NHL team.
“Ultimately, I think he is waiting for the perfect moment, and he is entirely content at Denver,” an NHL source stated. “He`s only 35. He is not in any rush to jump at just any opportunity. He has a secure, long-term position there.”
However, many believe that the time is right for Carle now, given potential suitors like the Blackhawks and the Rangers.
“If he is going to leave, it will be for something substantial,” said one source, referring to the prestige of the position and the compensation. Multiple sources suggest Carle could seek a contract term as long as five years to transition to the NHL.
“Carle doesn`t want to get on the NHL coaching merry-go-round, where coaches are hired and fired every three seasons. He is looking for stability, which he currently possesses,” an NHL source noted.
Chicago has been most prominently linked to Carle in this hiring cycle. A source indicated that GM Kyle Davidson has worked to build a relationship and rapport with Carle in recent years, meeting with the coach on multiple occasions.
Naturally, Carle is a young coach who could develop alongside a rebuilding team. However, securing him could also potentially extend Davidson`s tenure as general manager. Davidson was promoted to GM in March 2022. There is pressure, both internally and externally, for the Blackhawks to become contenders again. If Davidson is the one who signs Carle to a long-term agreement, it likely means increased job security for him as Carle attempts to transform Chicago`s fortunes.
Carle has suggested, according to one source, that he is not interested in taking over a team that is in the declining phase of a rebuild. The Blackhawks performed better than expected in the final 15 games of the season. The Ducks were in playoff contention and showed a 21-point improvement year-over-year. Is this sufficient progress in either instance?
Anaheim currently possesses a deeper pool of talent on their NHL roster compared to Chicago. The Ducks benefit from strong ownership and upper management, excellent facilities, and would likely be a less intense environment than Chicago. Do not discount them as a possibility for Carle.
Ultimately, the leading contender for Carle`s services in the 2025-26 season might well be his current employer.
“They just need to turn on the lights at Denver, and the top players arrive,” an NHL source quipped.
Recently Departed
- Drew Bannister
- Dan Bylsma
- Greg Cronin
- Derek Lalonde
- Peter Laviolette
- Luke Richardson
- John Tortorella
As is often the case, a seemingly “surprise” firing becomes less surprising once details about the underlying reasons emerge. Multiple sources indicated they had heard that relationships between Dan Bylsma and Kraken management were strained during the team`s difficult season. There were reports of personality clashes and general dissatisfaction with the team`s on-ice style and structure from then-GM Francis, who is now the team`s president. Thus, Bylsma`s tenure was one-and-done despite having earned his way back to the NHL through AHL success.
Few coaches have traveled as much as Peter Laviolette and John Tortorella. Laviolette, 60, will be seeking his seventh NHL head coaching position after being let go by the Rangers last week. To illustrate his extensive career, he has coached 1,594 regular-season games and has managed to coach five of the eight teams in the Metro Division since 2001. He led the Rangers to the Presidents` Trophy in 2023-24.
Tortorella will be pursuing his sixth head coaching job, having been dismissed by the Flyers. He has gone four consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, but he managed to guide a deeply flawed Philadelphia team to a .530 points percentage in 2023-24. There are no surprises with the 66-year-old coach. Hiring “Torts” means getting gritty efforts and a defense-first approach, along with some “tough love” for young offensive players that doesn`t always yield positive results.
The Experienced Bench Bosses
- Guy Boucher, Omsk (KHL)
- Bruce Boudreau
- Dallas Eakins, Adler Mannheim (German Deutsche Eishockey Liga)
- Gerard Gallant
- Dave Hakstol
- Claude Julien, St. Louis Blues (Assistant Coach)
- David Quinn, Pittsburgh Penguins (Assistant Coach)
- Todd Richards, Minnesota Wild (Assistant Coach)
- John Stevens, Vegas Golden Knights (Assistant Coach)
- Mike Yeo, Ottawa Senators (Assistant Coach)
Some of these coaches currently serve as assistant coaches in the NHL. Perhaps the most prominent name is Claude Julien, who joined the St. Louis Blues last summer to mentor a young coaching staff and remained when Jim Montgomery was hired earlier this season. He is a former Jack Adams Award winner and Stanley Cup champion with the Bruins but has not held a head coaching position since leaving Montreal in 2020. Last year, he indicated he would be open to another opportunity as a head coach.
One name worth watching in this hiring cycle is Gerard Gallant, 61, a Jack Adams Award-winning coach who was fired by the Rangers in 2023. He is looking for his fifth NHL head coaching stint and has established a reputation as a “players` coach.”
Seeking Redemption
- Jeff Blashill, Tampa Bay Lightning (Assistant Coach)
- Jack Capuano, Ottawa Senators (Assistant Coach)
- Jeremy Colliton, New Jersey Devils (Assistant Coach)
- Kevin Dineen
- Dominique Ducharme, Vegas Golden Knights (Assistant Coach)
- Don Granato
- Phil Housley
- Lane Lambert, Toronto Maple Leafs (Associate Coach)
- Kirk Muller, Washington Capitals (Assistant Coach)
- Davis Payne, Winnipeg Jets (Assistant Coach)
- Todd Reirden, Pittsburgh Penguins (Assistant Coach)
- D.J. Smith, Los Angeles Kings (Assistant Coach)
- Geoff Ward, Lausanne Hockey Club (Swiss Hockey League)
- Trent Yawney, Detroit Red Wings (Assistant Coach)
Lane Lambert, Kirk Muller, and Todd Reirden are among the notable assistant coaches who did not find success in their initial head coaching roles. Lambert, respected as Barry Trotz`s long-time right-hand man, coached the Islanders for 127 games over two seasons but has been effective as associate coach to Craig Berube. Muller transitioned from a star assistant with the Canadiens to head coach in Carolina (2011-14), missing the playoffs in three seasons. Reirden is considered one of the league`s top defensemen coaches but was let go in Washington after failing to advance past the first round of the playoffs following their Stanley Cup win.
Jeff Blashill is an ideal candidate for a second chance. He took over the Detroit Red Wings at age 42 after Mike Babcock`s departure, made the playoffs in 2015-16, but did not qualify again for the subsequent six seasons as Detroit entered a rebuilding phase post-Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg. Since then, Blashill has served as an assistant in Tampa Bay, learning under Jon Cooper. A few sources suggested Anaheim could be a likely fit, given their needs and his previous work under GM Pat Verbeek when both were in Detroit.
One name to watch is Don Granato, 57, a popular coach who was behind the bench for parts of four seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. He led them to their best points percentage (.555) during their 14-season playoff drought. He could certainly be in line for another opportunity.
Assistant Coaches 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, the first woman to coach behind an NHL bench, signed a two-year contract with the Kraken when Dan Bylsma, whom she coached with at AHL Coachella Valley, was promoted to the NHL team. Some eyebrows were raised around the league when reports highlighted Campbell being retained after Bylsma`s firing. However, all three of the Kraken`s assistants—Campbell, Bob Woods, and Dave Lowry—were kept on staff.
New GM Jason Botterill stated at his introductory press conference that “Jess Campbell will certainly be back with our group,” praising her work with young players. However, multiple sources believe Campbell might transition to a different role under a new head coach rather than returning as a bench coach—perhaps as an “eye in the sky” coach during games.
Jay Leach was overlooked in favor of Joe Sacco for the Bruins` interim coaching position, but the expectation is that the long-time assistant will receive an interview for the permanent opening.
Mike Vellucci, who has been an assistant under Mike Sullivan in Pittsburgh for five seasons and won the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers in 2019, recently saw his profile rise when he was named to Ryan Warsofsky`s Team USA staff for the IIHF World Championships. Vellucci was a candidate for the Ducks job before Greg Cronin was hired.
Finally, are NHL teams interested in Mitch Love? The Capitals assistant coach had successful stints as a head coach with the WHL Saskatoon Blades and with Calgary`s AHL team. He joined Spencer Carbery and the Capitals in 2023, focusing on their defense. He has interviewed with the Flames and Sharks for coaching positions in the past. Could Carbery`s recent success boost Love`s prospects?
AHL Coaching Prospects
- 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
Two names to particularly highlight here are Todd Nelson and Marco Sturm.
Nelson coached 51 games for the Oilers as a midseason replacement in 2014-15 but has not returned to an NHL bench since. His achievements since then might warrant another chance: three Calder Cup championships in his last four AHL seasons, with the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Hershey Bears. Nelson`s Bears, the Capitals` affiliate, are aiming for a third consecutive Cup win after finishing second in the regular season. Will NHL teams wait for him?
Marco Sturm played 938 games as an NHL forward. He served as an assistant coach for the Kings before becoming head coach of their AHL affiliate in Ontario. He did not land the Kings job or the Sharks job last summer. Could Anaheim be a possibility, or will the Ducks complete the “California hat trick” by looking elsewhere?
Pascal Vincent was named AHL coach of the year with Laval, marking a period of redemption for the talented coach. He lasted only one season as Blue Jackets head coach, stepping in quickly after Mike Babcock`s resignation but not being retained under a new management team.
Finally, it might be slightly early for Manny Malhotra, who was an assistant for Toronto and Vancouver but is in his first season as a head coach in the AHL. However, he was outstanding with Abbotsford this season. If Rick Tocchet leaves Vancouver, it`s not inconceivable that Malhotra could be considered.
Beyond the Traditional Path
- 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)
Pat Ferschweiler`s Western Michigan team defeated Jay Pandolfo`s Boston University team in the NCAA men`s Division I hockey championship game, and both coaches could attract attention. Ferschweiler previously served as an assistant coach for four seasons with the Red Wings. Pandolfo spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Bruins.
Kori Cheverie, 37, was the first woman to coach behind the bench in Canadian men`s college hockey, with Ryerson in 2016. She coached the Montreal Victoire to a first-place finish in the PWHL in her second season with the professional team.
Joel Martin and Jason Payne were pioneers in the ECHL. Their game against each other in 2024 was the first time in ECHL history—and believed to be the first in North American men`s professional hockey—that two Black head coaches faced off, according to NHL.com. Martin is in his third season with Kalamazoo, while Payne was recently let go by the Cyclones.
While Rikard Grönborg has been on the international coaching radar for some time, Olli Jokinen is now also attracting attention. How could he not, after his locker room speech featuring numerous expletives went viral?
Finally, Julie Chu and Caroline Ouellette were rivals on the U.S. and Canadian women`s national teams. Now married, they coach the Concordia Stingers women`s team at Concordia University in Montreal, a squad that has won multiple championships. A package deal like this would truly break the mold. (On a related note, can the Hockey Hall of Fame finally elect Julie Chu to join Ouellette in immortality?)
