The conclusion of the NHL season often brings about various head coaching vacancies, and the 2024-25 offseason has seen an unusually high number of openings, with eight teams seeking new leadership behind the bench. As the offseason progresses, five teams have already made their coaching hires, while three—namely, the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken—continue their searches. This article aims to assess the hires that have recently been finalized, allowing for a reflection on which remaining organizations might regret missing these opportunities as they move forward.

Grade: B. In one of the more anticipated moves of the offseason, the Chicago Blackhawks announced the hiring of Jeff Blashill, the former head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. Blashill, who was dismissed by the Red Wings in April 2022 after a seven-year tenure primarily focused on the team's rebuild, possesses a solid background in player development. His experience spans the USHL, NCAA, and AHL before taking over as head coach in Detroit prior to the 2015-16 season. Most recently, he spent three years learning under Jon Cooper, a respected figure in NHL coaching circles, with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Blackhawks have cycled through four first-year NHL head coaches since 2018, including Jeremy Colliton, Derek King, Luke Richardson, and Anders Sorensen. With Blashill at the helm, the organization is putting much-needed experience in place to guide them through their ongoing rebuild. The immediate pressure for success may be limited, as it is widely recognized that the Blackhawks will require time to return to playoff contention, making Blashill's low-risk hire somewhat appealing despite previous challenges in achieving success.

Grade: A+. Management for the New York Rangers made a strategic decision to hire Mike Sullivan, the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, as part of a critical retooling phase. General Manager Chris Drury leveraged longstanding connections with Sullivan, which included their time together at Boston University and USA Hockey. Sullivan's rapid integration into the Rangers organization, achieved within days of his departure from Pittsburgh, culminated in a five-year contract with an annual average value of $6.5 million, establishing him as the highest-paid coach in NHL history. Sullivan arrives at a pivotal moment for the Rangers following a decade of success with the Penguins, which included eight playoff appearances and back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. As the Penguins faced declining performance and missed the playoffs for three consecutive years, the partnership came to a natural conclusion. Sullivan's successful track record with established teams vying for championships positions him well to rejuvenate New York's competitive prospects. The Rangers' fanbase will undoubtedly be eager to see if Sullivan can successfully guide their franchise back to prominence.

Grade: B. Rick Tocchet's reputation, both as an individual and as a coach, holds significant appeal among fans and players alike. Tocchet, who previously won the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year during his stint with the Vancouver Canucks, boasts a wealth of coaching experience and strong personal connections with the Philadelphia Flyers organization. Having played for the Flyers for 11 seasons, Tocchet is a revered figure, ranking 12th on the franchise's all-time goals list. While there is excitement surrounding this hire, it is important to note the inherent risks. The Flyers are looking to break free from a challenging period by securing the right assets for their rebuild, with Tocchet serving as a potential catalyst. However, expectations could become burdensome, particularly if early results do not meet the heightened anticipation surrounding his appointment, especially given that he is stepping into a situation that the previous coach chose to leave. Nonetheless, Tocchet’s path to success mirrors that of other coaching figures who have defied the odds.

Grade: B-. The Vancouver Canucks have faced considerable scrutiny recently, particularly following a tumultuous performance in the previous season. Despite various issues, the organization remains in possession of promising foundational elements, including the defensive strategies suited for Quinn Hughes. The promotion of Jason Foote, who previously served as Tocchet's assistant, aims to maintain continuity in the coaching staff. While assistant hires can often be viewed skeptically due to their perception as a fallback option, Foote’s familiarity with the team may provide the stability required during this transitional period. Players are expected to thrive in a less disruptive environment, reducing the likelihood of more significant adjustments. However, it should be noted that skepticism toward the Canucks' front office persists, particularly concerning speculation about the internal dynamics influencing the hire. Should Hughes eventually depart from the franchise, the Canucks may find themselves at another crossroads, necessitating careful oversight from management.