As the conclusion of the NHL season approaches, the landscape has seen a significant number of head coaching vacancies, particularly in the 2024-25 season, which has produced the highest number of open positions in recent times. Eight teams entered the offseason in search of new bench leaders, with five teams already filling their coaching vacancies at a swift pace. While franchises such as the Bruins, Penguins, and Kraken finalize their coaching searches, it is worth taking a moment to assess the recent hires that have been made in the past weeks, as questions arise regarding which of the remaining teams may regret missing out on these appointments.

In a move expected by many, the Chicago Blackhawks hired former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill recently. Blashill’s experience includes a strong background in player development, having coached at various levels, including USHL, NCAA, and AHL, before taking over from Mike Babcock in Detroit for the 2015-16 campaign. His recent stint under coaching veteran Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay has further refined his qualifications for returning to an NHL coaching role. The Blackhawks have cycled through multiple first-year head coaches in recent years, with Jeremy Colliton, Derek King, Luke Richardson, and Anders Sorensen all having led the team since 2018. By choosing Blashill, who possesses notable experience in both prospect development and NHL rebuilding, the Blackhawks aim to stabilize their direction. With the team's commitment to a prolonged rebuild, the immediate pressure for success is minimal, allowing Blashill an opportunity to explore different strategies without the urgency for playoff contention.

The New York Rangers’ decision to hire Mike Sullivan marks a significant step towards stability for a team that faced considerable turmoil both on and off the ice in the previous season. General Manager Chris Drury leveraged his established relationships with Sullivan, who had previously coached Team USA and boasts an impressive record during his ten-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, which includes two Stanley Cups and eight playoff seasons. Following his departure from the Penguins, Sullivan quickly signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Rangers, making him the highest-paid coach in NHL history. This commitment reflects the Rangers’ ambition to restore their competitive edge and reclaim postseason prominence, with Sullivan’s experience in managing established rosters being a crucial factor in this hire. The organization now looks to Sullivan to lead a resurgence and help navigate the complexities of a core seeking to achieve playoff success.

Rick Tocchet, beloved by players and fans alike, brings a wealth of coaching experience as he returns to the Philadelphia Flyers. Having won the Jack Adams Award with the Vancouver Canucks, Tocchet's reputation as a respected figure in the hockey community contributes to expectations surrounding his appointment. A Flyers Hall of Fame inductee and former player, Tocchet possesses deep roots within the team dating back to his 11 seasons with the franchise. His successful track record suggests potential, as he aims to guide the Flyers away from their recent struggles and solidify a direction for the future. However, the risks involved in placing a franchise legend in a challenging position should be acknowledged. There is considerable speculation about the pressure inherent in these expectations and whether Tocchet will be able to manage them effectively, all while motivating a roster that has experienced difficulty achieving consistent performance.

The Vancouver Canucks made a strategic decision in promoting Scott Foote, who previously served as an assistant coach under Tocchet. This hire comes amid an atmosphere of criticism directed toward the organization for its handling of recent situations. Foote is expected to maintain continuity in the Canucks’ defensive structure, which has undergone improvements in recent years. His familiarity with the team and its dynamics provides an advantage and could mitigate the disruptions commonly associated with coaching changes. However, doubts remain regarding the broader impact of this move and the organization’s ability to effectively develop talent amidst ongoing questions about the front office's decision-making. Enhanced collaboration with star players, particularly Quinn Hughes, is anticipated to guide the team through its goals. Nevertheless, concerns persist about potential pitfalls that could arise from misjudgings in the direction this franchise undertakes, especially if Hughes were to depart, cementing the necessity for astute decisions moving forward.