The conclusion of the NHL season typically brings a wave of head coaching vacancies, and the 2024-25 season has seen a notably high number of openings. Eight teams entered the offseason in search of a new head coach, with five of these positions already filled, showcasing the swiftness of the hiring process. As teams such as the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken continue their searches, this report will evaluate the coaching hires made in recent weeks, providing an insight into who the remaining teams may regret passing up.

The Chicago Blackhawks recently secured former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, a move that came as no surprise. Blashill, who was let go by the Red Wings after a seven-season stint dedicated to team rebuilding, boasts a solid background in player development. His experience includes coaching at the USHL, NCAA, and AHL levels before taking over in Detroit for the 2015-16 season. Blashill has spent the last three years under the mentorship of renowned coach Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, thus enhancing his credentials for a return to a head coaching role. The Blackhawks have cycled through four different first-year NHL head coaches since 2018, making this latest hire a shift toward stability, focusing on both prospect development and navigating the long road of rebuilding. With expectations tempered, the Blackhawks appear poised to take a more measured approach rather than seeking an immediate playoff push.

In a significant development, Mike Sullivan was hired by the New York Rangers after parting ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins. This decision has been hailed as a major step in the right direction for the Rangers, who faced considerable turmoil last season. General Manager Chris Drury leveraged his connections with Sullivan, rooted in shared ties through Boston University and USA Hockey. Sullivan signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Rangers, becoming the highest-paid coach in NHL history. His remarkable tenure with the Penguins included eight playoff appearances, back-to-back Stanley Cups, and a commendable record of 409-255-89. As he takes the reins in New York, the Rangers look to Sulllivan’s experience guiding established teams towards annual championship contention.

Rick Tocchet, a well-regarded figure in the hockey community, returns to the Philadelphia Flyers, where he previously made his mark as a player. He brings with him an impressive resume, including winning the Jack Adams Award during his successful stint with the Vancouver Canucks. As a Flyers Hall of Famer, Tocchet's return to the franchise is surrounded by high expectations. While there is optimism regarding Tocchet's potential to turn the Flyers around, there are also inherent risks associated with such a hire. The concern lies in the pressure that may accompany a legend's return, particularly when the Flyers are in the midst of a multi-year rebuilding process. Yet, Tocchet’s experience in overcoming past challenges provides a glimmer of hope for the franchise as it seeks to re-establish a competitive edge in the league.

The Vancouver Canucks found themselves in a complicated situation, characterized by instability and a recent coaching overhaul. Despite facing a disappointing season, marked by internal strife and injuries to key players like Thatcher Demko, the Canucks have retained elements of their previously emphasized defensive structure. Following Tocchet's departure, the team promoted his assistant, who had been intricately involved in developing the defense. While the choice of an in-house candidate can be perceived as a conservative approach, it also offers the benefit of continuity. With an understanding of the team's dynamics and a prior working relationship with players like Quinn Hughes, this promotion aims to maintain stability within a turbulent environment. However, skepticism remains around the Canucks’ management decisions and whether this shift will pave the way for meaningful improvement in the coming seasons.