The conclusion of the NHL season often brings with it a number of head coaching vacancies, and the 2024-25 offseason has produced a significant number of openings. Eight teams approached the offseason in search of new leadership behind the bench, and five of those positions have already been filled relatively quickly. While teams such as the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken continue their coaching searches, this article takes time to review the recent hires made by various franchises. The question now is: which of the remaining teams may regret missing out on these newly appointed coaches?

The Chicago Blackhawks recently hired Jeff Blashill, formerly of the Detroit Red Wings, marking one of the more expected moves in recent weeks. Blashill, who was let go by the Red Wings in April 2022 after a seven-season tenure focused on rebuilding, boasts a solid track record in player development. His coaching experience spans the USHL, NCAA, and AHL before he took over the Red Wings coaching duties from Mike Babcock at the start of the 2015-16 season. His last three years were spent alongside Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, enhancing his qualifications as he returns to an NHL coaching position. The Blackhawks, having cycled through four different first-year NHL head coaches since 2018, now look to Blashill's extensive experience to shepherd them through the current rebuild. Given the team's ongoing transition, the pressure for immediate success is notably reduced, allowing Blashill the opportunity to implement his vision without undue haste.

Another impactful hire belongs to the New York Rangers, who brought in Mike Sullivan to help stabilize a team that experienced significant turmoil in the prior season. Rangers General Manager Chris Drury capitalized on his longstanding relationship with Sullivan—coaching Team USA in the recent 4 Nations Face-Off— to secure the highly regarded coach, who inked a five-year contract at an annual average value of $6.5 million, making him the highest-paid coach in NHL history. Sullivan’s impressive resume includes ten years with the Penguins, where he guided the team to eight playoff appearances and back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. Despite having been at the helm of an organization facing challenges in recent seasons, his history of achieving success with strong cores positions him as a key player in returning the Rangers to their competitive form in the coming season.

Rick Tocchet, who recently found a home with the Philadelphia Flyers, has garnered a reputation for being well-liked and respected within the hockey community. With a history that includes winning the Jack Adams Award in his time with the Vancouver Canucks, he is appreciated by players for his distinctive coaching style. Tocchet, a Flyers Hall of Famer, brings with him 11 years of experience as a player within the franchise, positioning him as a franchise legend. While expectations may be high for Tocchet to lead this franchise out of its recent struggles, the decision carries the risk of increased pressure. Should the team not meet its potential in the immediate term, questions about this choice may arise. However, there is a precedent in which a former player turned coach, like Rod Brind'Amour with the Carolina Hurricanes, has successfully navigated similar challenges.

In Vancouver, the Canucks have bolstered their coaching staff by promoting assistant coach Adam Foote, who worked closely under Tocchet. This hire has received mixed reviews, as assistant promotions may be perceived as conservative choices. However, Foote's deep understanding of the team's defensive framework may serve as a stabilizing force amid ongoing organizational turbulence. Given his familiarity with players such as Quinn Hughes, Foote brings continuity during a period of necessary change, which could prove beneficial for the team. Yet, questions linger regarding the rationale behind the promotion, especially if key player relationships come into play during roster changes. Vancouver's management has yet to fully regain the trust of fans and analysts alike, leaving future decisions under scrutiny.