At the conclusion of the NHL season, coaching vacancies often arise, and the 2024-25 season has produced a notable number of openings. Eight teams entered the offseason in search of a new head coach, and several of these positions have been filled relatively swiftly, with five teams making hires already. As the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken continue their coaching searches, it is an opportune moment to assess the hires that have recently occurred. The question remains: which of the remaining teams without a coach will regret missing out on these candidates?

Grade: B. The Chicago Blackhawks have appointed former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, a move that was anticipated by many. After parting ways with the Red Wings in April 2022, Blashill has built a solid foundation in player development, having coached at various levels, including the USHL, NCAA, and AHL. His tenure in Detroit began in the 2015-16 season when he replaced Mike Babcock. Recently, he spent three years under the tutelage of Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, refining his coaching experience. Given the Blackhawks' struggles in recent years, including four different first-year NHL head coaches since 2018, Blashill's extensive experience could prove beneficial as the team navigates its rebuild. Currently, there is little pressure for immediate success, as it is understood that the Blackhawks will require time to return to playoff contention. Management's desire to take a different approach is evident, and Blashill's low-risk profile, along with his recent coaching experiences, positions him well for this challenge.

Grade: A+. For a team that faced significant turmoil both on and off the ice last season, the New York Rangers' decision to hire Mike Sullivan stands out as a considerable step in the right direction. General Manager Chris Drury leveraged his long-standing relationship with Sullivan, stemming from their time together at Boston University and USA Hockey, to secure this hire. Sullivan departed from the Penguins on a Monday and joined the Rangers by that Friday, signing a five-year contract with an annual average value of $6.5 million, making him the highest-paid coach in NHL history. His record over ten years with the Penguins includes eight seasons in the playoffs and two Stanley Cup victories. With the Penguins missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, a change was deemed necessary as GM Kyle Dubas initiates a re-tooling phase while Sidney Crosby remains in the league. Sullivan's proven track record with established cores aiming for championship success positions him as an ideal candidate to guide the Rangers back to contention.

Grade: B. Rick Tocchet is well regarded both as an individual and as a coach. His success as the Jack Adams Award winner during his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks speaks volumes, and players have shown a penchant for playing under his leadership. Tocchet's playing legacy includes time in the Flyers organization, where he spent 11 seasons and earned a place in the Flyers Hall of Fame. His lengthy career laid the groundwork for the tough team identity the franchise seeks to reclaim. General Manager Danny Briere’s prior playing relationship with Tocchet further underscores the significance of this hire. The best-case scenario envisions Tocchet as a guiding force leading the Flyers out of recent hardships and into a more promising future. However, there are inherent risks; the pressure associated with Tocchet's return could prove significant for a team that might still require further development. Despite this, history shows that similar scenarios, such as Rod Brind'Amour’s successful tenure with the Hurricanes, have resulted in positive outcomes for franchises in transition.

Grade: B-. The Vancouver Canucks are often scrutinized, and rightfully so, given last season's struggles. This scrutiny arises from the expectation placed on the organization to perform competitively. Following a tumultuous year that included the dramatic JT Miller trade and other setbacks, the team faced challenges while dealing with an injured Thatcher Demko. Nevertheless, some positive aspects persist, notably the defensive structure established under Tocchet, which benefited players like Quinn Hughes. With the promotion of Scott Foote from assistant to head coach following Tocchet's departure, the organization appears to be embracing stability rather than making drastic changes. Foote's familiarity with the team and his previous role in enhancing their defensive play could foster improvement. However, uncertainty lingers regarding the Canucks' front office decisions, and speculation has arisen about Hughes’ potential departure. This situation underscores the precarious nature of the Canucks' rebuild and the importance of effective leadership within the organization.