The NHL’s coaching carousel is spinning rapidly, with several recent hires and potential changes on the horizon. Travis Green was named as the new head coach of the Ottawa Senators, tasked with leading the team back to success after a disappointing season. Green, a veteran player and former head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, is known for his passion for teaching and high standards for his players. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues announced that Drew Bannister will be their head coach moving forward, after a successful interim stint. Bannister’s contract extension is for two years, highlighting the team’s confidence in his abilities.
In April, the Buffalo Sabres brought back Lindy Ruff as their head coach, following his departure from the New Jersey Devils. Ruff, who previously coached the Sabres for 15 years, has a strong connection to the team and a history of success. The coaching changes in New Jersey and Buffalo have left vacancies that are generating rumors and speculation. The Devils reportedly expressed interest in Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, who has had success with the Penguins but missed the playoffs in recent years. However, the Penguins denied these reports, emphasizing their commitment to Sullivan.
Several other coaching positions are also in flux, including in San Jose, Winnipeg, and Seattle. In Seattle, there is speculation that Dan Bylsma, a former Stanley Cup-winning coach, could be a strong candidate for the job. Bylsma has had success in the AHL and has connections to the Seattle Kraken’s front office. The situation in Los Angeles remains unclear, as the Kings have not yet determined whether interim head coach Jim Hiller will be retained. Additionally, there are questions surrounding Sheldon Keefe’s future in Toronto following the Maple Leafs’ latest playoff disappointment and changes in management.
In Utah, the Arizona Coyotes have undergone a unique ownership transition that includes new general manager Bill Armstrong and coach Andre Tourigny. The terms of the deal dictate that Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo will retain all intellectual property, while new owner Ryan Smith will focus on the team’s personnel. Smith emphasized the importance of valuing the players and staff in his acquisition of the team. Overall, the NHL coaching landscape is constantly evolving, with teams making strategic decisions to position themselves for success in the future.