At the conclusion of the NHL season, coaching vacancies often emerge, with the 2024-25 offseason presenting an unprecedented number of openings. Eight teams entered the break seeking new head coaches, and the hiring process has progressed swiftly, with five teams already making appointments. As the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken finalize their coaching searches, it is a suitable time to analyze the hires that have recently occurred and ponder which remaining teams might regret missing out on these coaching opportunities.

Grade: B. In one of the more anticipated moves, the Chicago Blackhawks appointed former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill. Blashill, dismissed by the Red Wings in April 2022 after a seven-season tenure that focused on rebuilding, brings considerable experience in player development, having coached in the USHL, NCAA, and AHL before taking over in Detroit in the 2015-16 season. His recent three-year stint under acclaimed coach Jon Cooper with the Tampa Bay Lightning has bolstered his resume, making him a viable candidate to return to an NHL coaching position. The Blackhawks have cycled through four different first-year NHL head coaches since 2018, and Blashill's extensive experience in both prospect development and NHL rebuilds positions him well to lead the team during its current rebuilding phase. While the pressure for immediate success is minimal, as the Blackhawks are expected to take time to return to the playoff picture, this choice marks a departure from previous approaches. Blashill represents a cautious yet promising option for a team in transition.

Grade: A+. The New York Rangers made a significant decision by hiring Mike Sullivan, a move regarded as pivotal for a team that faced numerous challenges during the past season. General Manager Chris Drury effectively leveraged his connections with Sullivan, whose history includes coaching at Boston University and with USA Hockey, leading Team USA at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off. Sullivan, who parted with the Penguins on a Monday, signed a five-year contract with a $6.5 million average annual value with the Rangers by that Friday, making him the highest-paid coach in NHL history. With ten years of experience in Pittsburgh, including eight playoff appearances and two Stanley Cup victories, Sullivan is expected to help the Rangers rediscover their competitive form. Given his track record of success with established teams aiming for the championship, there is considerable optimism about his potential impact in New York.

Grade: B. Rick Tocchet, beloved by many, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Philadelphia Flyers, where he previously made his mark as a player. Celebrated for his gritty style, Tocchet earned a place in the Flyers Hall of Fame after an impressive 11-season career. Despite high expectations, the realities of coaching present risks for this hire. The potential for elevated pressure stemming from Tocchet's legendary status could complicate the rebuilding process, especially if the team is not yet ready for immediate success. However, the success stories of coaches like Rod Brind'Amour, who led the Carolina Hurricanes from a playoff drought to seven consecutive postseason appearances, highlight the potential for Tocchet to create a positive turnaround. While the optimism surrounding Tocchet's appointment remains strong, concerns linger regarding the timing and realistic expectations for the team.

Grade: B-. The Vancouver Canucks are facing scrutiny following a tumultuous previous season, and their decision to promote assistant coach Adam Foote to head coach has generated mixed reactions. Despite the franchise's recent struggles, there are aspects worth retaining from their prior performance, particularly the defensive strategies established during Tocchet's tenure. Foote's promotion follows a season marked by injuries, notably to goaltender Thatcher Demko. While assistant coach promotions can sometimes be viewed as a less daring choice, bringing Foote onboard is seen as a stabilizing move, especially given his rapport with defenseman Quinn Hughes. However, the Canucks' front office has yet to fully regain the fans' trust, and speculation surrounding the motivations for this hire raises questions about the team's direction moving forward. If Hughes were to depart, it could lead to further complications in the developmental trajectory of the franchise.