Longevity and stability are not common features of an NHL head coaching position. The league currently faces multiple coaching vacancies, with six teams actively seeking new leadership (Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken). More openings could potentially arise in places like Vancouver and Pittsburgh.
As Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs noted, a head coach`s time with a team is typically much shorter than that of a general manager or team president. This is often due to the difficulty of changing players under the salary cap and the fact that GMs rarely fire themselves. Consequently, the coach frequently bears the responsibility when a team underperforms or opts for a new strategic direction.
According to hockey data analysis, the average tenure for an NHL coach is only 2.3 years, considerably shorter than in MLB (4.3), NBA (4.1), and NFL (4.0). The previous season saw 11 coaching changes.
Neil Glasberg, a representative for coaches, describes this period as another season of significant change in a performance-driven industry. He highlights the challenge for players who must constantly adapt to different coaching philosophies and messages. Each coaching change represents a “reset” for the players, which, while intended to bring a new perspective, can be disruptive when it happens frequently.
While more changes are expected, the candidate pool appears wider than ever. Familiar “big-name” coaches will undoubtedly be considered, but there are also clear pathways for new talent. Agent Ian Greengross points to two main routes: experienced AHL head coaches moving up, and successful junior league head coaches transitioning to the NHL. He believes the league is becoming more open to first-time NHL head coaches, acknowledging that everyone starts somewhere.
Here is an overview of potential head coaching candidates this offseason, categorized by their typical profile:
The Big Names
Rick Tocchet, Jay Woodcroft
Rick Tocchet, 61, won Coach of the Year last season but faced a tumultuous 2024-25 with the Vancouver Canucks, missing the playoffs. Speculation about his future persists, with Vancouver potentially not exercising their option to keep him. Reports suggest Tocchet might seek a substantial contract, possibly around $5 million annually over five years.
Sources indicate that Philadelphia is a strong possibility if he leaves Vancouver, given his 11 seasons playing there. He was considered for the Flyers job previously. However, some wonder about adding too many former Flyers players to the management structure.
Other potential destinations include Seattle, where new GM Jason Botterill and President Ron Francis have past connections to Tocchet, and the New York Rangers, a team closer to contention, where he interviewed four years ago. A move to the Rangers would notably reunite him with J.T. Miller, whose dynamic with Elias Pettersson in Vancouver was a factor in Tocchet`s challenging season.
Jay Woodcroft, 48, was fired by the Edmonton Oilers after just 13 games in 2023-24, despite a .643 winning percentage in his tenure. Though coaching superstars like McDavid and Draisaitl, other team issues were challenges. He was a finalist for jobs last offseason and has spent the past year observing and refining his coaching approach internationally. Known for being intelligent and articulate, Woodcroft is widely expected to secure one of the open positions.
The Great Unknowns
Joel Quenneville, Mike Sullivan (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Either of these highly successful coaches with multiple Stanley Cups could significantly impact the hiring market.
Mike Sullivan is currently under contract with the Penguins through 2026-27. Despite the team missing the playoffs recently, Sullivan maintains his intention to remain in Pittsburgh, a sentiment echoed by GM Kyle Dubas. Many believe the decision to leave rests with Sullivan, as ownership reportedly remains supportive.
If Sullivan were to become available, the New York Rangers would likely be very interested.
Joel Quenneville, 66, ranks second in NHL coaching wins with three Stanley Cups. He resigned from the Florida Panthers in October 2021 following an investigation into the handling of a sexual assault allegation during his time with the Blackhawks. The league reinstated him for potential employment in June, stating he and others involved had shown remorse and greater awareness.
Sources believe Quenneville could return next season, with his name linked to openings like the Bruins. His potential return to the Rangers, previously speculated, might be complicated by past issues tied to the organization`s media parent company.
Hiring Quenneville would require a team willing to manage the public relations challenge associated with his past. However, not everyone is convinced he will be hired this summer, citing the potential PR “nightmare” as a deterrent.
The Collegiate Star
David Carle (University of Denver)
David Carle, 35, has led the University of Denver program for seven seasons, securing two NCAA national championships and reaching the Frozen Four twice. He is exceptionally sought after by NHL teams, viewed as a bright, successful, and rising star due to his college success and gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships.
While he has had preliminary discussions with NHL teams, he hasn`t undergone a formal interview process yet. Sources suggest Carle is patiently waiting for the ideal NHL opportunity, content with his stable “lifetime status” at Denver. Given his success and potential, many believe the timing is right for him to consider NHL offers, possibly from teams like the Blackhawks or Rangers.
It`s anticipated Carle would seek a long-term, potentially five-year contract to make the jump, prioritizing stability over the typical short NHL coaching cycle.
Chicago is most often linked to Carle, with GM Kyle Davidson reportedly building a relationship with him. Carle represents a young coach who could develop with a rebuilding team and potentially enhance Davidson`s job security by leading the team back to contention.
Carle is reportedly hesitant to join a team in the declining phase of a rebuild. The Blackhawks showed improvement late last season, as did the Ducks. Anaheim is considered a strong contender, offering a deeper roster, stable ownership and management, and less pressure than Chicago.
However, some sources quip that the appeal of Denver`s program means Carle might ultimately decide to stay put, as “the best players show up” there easily.
Recently Fired Head Coaches
Drew Bannister, Dan Bylsma, Greg Cronin, Derek Lalonde, Peter Laviolette, Luke Richardson, John Tortorella
Recent “surprise” firings often reveal underlying issues. For instance, reports suggest difficulties between Dan Bylsma and Seattle management, leading to his departure after just one season despite AHL success.
Peter Laviolette, 60, is available after being let go by the Rangers. This would be his seventh NHL head coaching job. He`s coached five of the eight teams in the Metro Division since 2001 and led the Rangers to the Presidents` Trophy in 2023-24.
John Tortorella, 66, was fired by the Flyers and seeks his sixth head coaching position. Although he hasn`t made the playoffs in four years, he guided a rebuilding Flyers team to a respectable points percentage last season. Known for his intense, defense-first approach, his “tough love” style with young players can be controversial.
The Well-Traveled Veterans
Guy Boucher (Omsk, KHL), Bruce Boudreau, Dallas Eakins (Adler Mannheim, Germany), Gerard Gallant, Dave Hakstol, Claude Julien (St. Louis Blues), David Quinn (Pittsburgh Penguins), Todd Richards (Minnesota Wild), John Stevens (Vegas Golden Knights), Mike Yeo (Ottawa Senators)
This list includes coaches with extensive NHL experience, some currently serving as assistants. Claude Julien, a Stanley Cup winner with Boston, joined the Blues as a mentor last summer and remained with the staff. He hasn`t been a head coach since 2020 but has expressed openness to another opportunity.
Gerard Gallant, 61, another Jack Adams winner, is seeking his fifth head coaching role after being fired by the Rangers in 2023. He has a reputation as a “players` coach.”
Seeking a Second Chance
Jeff Blashill (Tampa Bay Lightning), Jack Capuano (Ottawa Senators), Jeremy Colliton (New Jersey Devils), Kevin Dineen, Dominique Ducharme (Vegas Golden Knights), Don Granato, Phil Housley, Lane Lambert (Toronto Maple Leafs), Kirk Muller (Washington Capitals), Davis Payne (Winnipeg Jets), Todd Reirden (Pittsburgh Penguins), D.J. Smith (Los Angeles Kings), Geoff Ward (Lausanne Hockey Club, Switzerland), Trent Yawney (Detroit Red Wings)
Many high-profile assistant coaches in this group previously held head coaching positions without sustained success. Lane Lambert, Kirk Muller, and Todd Reirden are examples. Lambert, known as a key assistant, lasted 127 games as Islanders head coach before joining Toronto. Muller had three non-playoff seasons in Carolina. Reirden left Washington after failing to advance past the first round post-Stanley Cup win.
Jeff Blashill is a prime candidate for a second chance. He coached Detroit through a rebuild, making the playoffs once before six non-playoff seasons. Since then, he`s served as an assistant in Tampa Bay, learning under Jon Cooper. Anaheim could be a potential fit, given his previous work with Ducks GM Pat Verbeek in Detroit.
Don Granato, 57, a popular figure, coached the Buffalo Sabres for parts of four seasons, achieving their best points percentage during their playoff drought. He could certainly get another shot.
Notable Assistants Eyeing 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. The Kraken retained her, along with other assistants, after firing Dan Bylsma. While GM Jason Botterill praised her work, sources speculate she might transition to a different role under a new head coach, perhaps an “eye in the sky” position.
Jay Leach was bypassed for the Bruins` interim job but is expected to interview for the permanent opening. Mike Vellucci, a long-time assistant in Pittsburgh with AHL head coaching success (Calder Cup winner), recently joined Team USA`s staff and was previously a candidate for the Ducks job. Mitch Love, a successful WHL and AHL head coach now an assistant with the Capitals, has interviewed for NHL jobs before; Spencer Carbery`s success in Washington might boost Love`s prospects.
AHL Head 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 names particularly worth watching. Nelson coached briefly for the Oilers years ago but has since won three Calder Cup championships in his last four AHL seasons. Teams may wait for his current playoff run to conclude.
Sturm, a former NHL player, was an assistant before becoming an AHL head coach. He was considered for the Kings and Sharks jobs and could be a candidate for Anaheim, potentially completing a “California hat trick” of coaching in the state.
Pascal Vincent, named AHL coach of the year, had a brief and challenging stint as Blue Jackets head coach after stepping in suddenly last year. Manny Malhotra is in his first season as an AHL head coach after being an NHL assistant but has been impressive with Abbotsford; he could be a candidate for the Canucks job if Tocchet departs.
Potential “Out-of-the-Box” Candidates
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 college hockey like Pat Ferschweiler and Jay Pandolfo could receive consideration. Ferschweiler was previously an assistant with the Red Wings, while Pandolfo assisted the Bruins.
Kori Cheverie, 37, broke ground in Canadian men`s college hockey and led her PWHL team to first place in its second season.
Joel Martin and Jason Payne made history as the first Black head coaches to oppose each other in ECHL history. Martin is in his third season with Kalamazoo, while Payne recently left Cincinnati.
European league coaches like Rikard Grönborg and Olli Jokinen (known for his viral locker room speech) are also on the radar.
Finally, Julie Chu and Caroline Ouellette, former national team rivals now coaching together and winning championships at Concordia University, represent a potential “package deal” that would truly break the mold in NHL hiring.
