As the NHL season draws to a close, a number of head coaching vacancies often arise. However, the 2024-25 season has presented the highest number of open positions in recent memory, with eight teams entering the offseason in search of new leadership. The hiring process is proceeding swiftly, with five teams already having made their appointments. While the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken finalize their coaching decisions, it is timely to assess the recent hires that have already been made. Which of the remaining teams might regret missing out on these candidates? As we grade the recent appointments, it is worth noting that the most sought-after coaches are prominently featured among those who have been hired early.

The Chicago Blackhawks made a move that was anticipated by many when they appointed former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill. After being released by the Red Wings in April 2022, Blashill brings a substantial background in player development, having coached at various levels including the USHL, NCAA, and AHL prior to taking over in Detroit. He has spent the last three years as an assistant under NHL coaching stalwart Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, enhancing his qualifications for this role. The Blackhawks have experienced a rotational coaching carousel since 2018, having cycled through four first-year NHL head coaches. Blashill's extensive experience with prospect development and NHL rebuilds positions him well to steer Chicago through its current transition. Given the outlook for the team, which is not expected to contend for a playoff spot in the immediate future, the pressure for immediate success is minimal. The franchise seems to be pivoting towards a more stable approach in coaching after previous challenges.

The New York Rangers made a substantial investment in hiring Mike Sullivan, a decision that could prove to be pivotal for the organization's future. Sullivan, who parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins after a decade filled with significant achievements including two Stanley Cup victories, was available just days before being hired by the Rangers on a lucrative five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, marking him as the highest-paid coach in NHL history. Sullivan's tenure in Pittsburgh was marked by consistent playoff appearances, yet the team had struggled recently, prompting a change as new management sought to retool the squad while iconic center Sidney Crosby remains active. Sullivan's proven success with established teams will be essential as he aims to restore the Rangers' competitive edge.

Rick Tocchet's appointment as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers reflects both his stature within the franchise and the high expectations placed upon him. A beloved former player with a celebrated career in the league, Tocchet garnered respect as a coach with his recent success in Vancouver, where he won the Jack Adams Award. His deep-rooted connections to the Flyers—including a history with current General Manager Danny Briere—reinforce the optimism surrounding this hiring. Nevertheless, the situation carries risks, particularly given the team's current state of transition. The Flyers hope that Tocchet can oversee a significant turnaround as they seek to move past years of disappointing performance. The potential for this collaboration to pay off is immense, but there are genuine concerns regarding the pressures associated with high expectations during a rebuilding phase.

In the case of the Vancouver Canucks, they face an important decision in promoting their former assistant coach, Adam Foote, to head coach. The team has been under scrutiny for a lack of consistent performance, and while Foote's familiarity with the squad is advantageous, there are concerns about whether this is the right path forward. Foote was instrumental in the defensive strategies under Tocchet's direction, and his promotion seems to be a bid for stability amid ongoing uncertainties. If he can leverage the existing rapport with star defenseman Quinn Hughes in particular, Foote may instill the necessary improvements to guide the Canucks out of their recent struggles. However, the track record of the current front office may cast doubt on this decision, leading to questions about the wisdom behind retaining someone closely associated with a coaching staff that faced criticism.