At the moment, eight NHL teams are looking for a new head coach. That number could change – looking at you, Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders. But in the meantime, there are eight vacancies that need to be filled.
Today, we’re going to do a little match-making. Here are my picks for each of this year’s job openings.
Vancouver Canucks – Peter Laviolette
A lot is riding on this hire. Canucks management has two years to prove to Quinn Hughes that they are a winning franchise – his contract expires in 2027.
Jim Rutherford needs someone he can trust, because if the Canucks falter over the next two years, he’s likely out of a job. Enter Peter Laviolette – the coach that won Rutherford a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. While his 2024-25 campaign with the New York Rangers did not end well, Laviolette has enough of a track record to warrant the job.
But don’t be surprised if: Manny Malhotra.
New York Rangers – Mike Sullivan
A big move in the Big Apple. Mike Sullivan impressed on the big stage with Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off and guided the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cups. His overall experience and ability to coach superstars makes him a good fit for the Rangers, whose Stanley Cup window is still open.
In addition, general manager Chris Drury should be able to offer Sullivan a bigger contract than all the teams currently looking for a new coach. Not that money is a priority for Sullivan – it’s just a strong bargaining chip for the best coach available in this year’s cycle.
But don’t be surprised if: David Carle.
Philadelphia Flyers – Rick Tocchet
NHL insiders have been linking Rick Tocchet to the Flyers even while Tocchet was still coaching games for the Canucks. Now that he’s available, Philadelphia can close on a deal.
It also helps that Tocchet was a former teammate of both team president Keith Jones and general manager Daniel Briere. That familiarity, plus Tocchet’s alignment with Philadelphia’s rough-and-tumble persona, makes this pairing a slam dunk.
But don’t be surprised if: Brad Shaw.
Chicago Blackhawks – Jay Woodcroft
Given Jay Woodcroft’s experience coaching and mentoring Connor McDavid, it seems like a natural fit for him to do the same with Connor Bedard. Not every coach knows how to effectively push and guide generational…
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