At the conclusion of the NHL regular season, coaching vacancies often emerge, but the 2024-25 season has revealed an unusually high number of openings. Eight teams entered the offseason in search of new leadership behind the bench, and the hiring process has progressed swiftly, with five teams already securing new head coaches. While teams such as the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken continue their searches, it is an opportune time to evaluate the recent coaching hires made in the past few weeks. This analysis aims to shed light on which teams may later regret missing out on particular candidates as we assess each hire.

In one of the more predictable moves, the Chicago Blackhawks appointed former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill. Blashill, who parted ways with Detroit in April 2022 after a seven-season tenure amid a rebuilding phase, is recognized for his strong player development pedigree. His coaching experience spans multiple levels, including the USHL, NCAA, and AHL, before he took over the Red Wings from Mike Babcock prior to the 2015-16 season. Blashill further refined his coaching skills under the mentorship of Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, enhancing his resume to return to an NHL role. The Blackhawks have cycled through four first-year NHL head coaches—namely Jeremy Colliton, Derek King, Luke Richardson, and Anders Sorensen—since 2018. By hiring Blashill and leveraging his extensive background in both player development and NHL rebuilds, the franchise aims for a more stable direction moving forward. Given the team's current trajectory, expectations for immediate success remain modest, allowing Blashill to focus on long-term growth while avoiding the previous frenzy of fast fixes.

In a significant move, the New York Rangers secured Mike Sullivan as their new head coach, marking a pivotal step toward organizational recovery following a tumultuous 2022-23 season. General Manager Chris Drury utilized his historical connections with Sullivan, stemming from their time at Boston University and USA Hockey, to facilitate this hiring. Sullivan, who recently departed the Pittsburgh Penguins after a decade that included back-to-back Stanley Cups and eight playoff appearances, was contracted by the Rangers on a Friday after leaving Pittsburgh the preceding Monday. The five-year deal, with an annual average value of $6.5 million, makes Sullivan the highest-paid coach in NHL history. His impressive record of 409-255-89 underscores his capability to achieve success with entrenched rosters aiming for championships. The Rangers, having faced various challenges in their pursuit of a cohesive strategy, are now hopeful that Sullivan's experience in working with established cores will help them regain competitiveness in the coming seasons.

Rick Tocchet, who recently earned accolades for his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks, is poised to take on a leadership role as the new head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. Having been inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame for his commendable 11-season career with the franchise, Tocchet brings a wealth of experience and appeal to the organization. Under his guidance, the Canucks experienced significant improvement, culminating in Tocchet winning the Jack Adams Award. While the enthusiasm surrounding Tocchet's return to Philadelphia is palpable, concerns regarding the pressures of high expectations remain. His history with the Flyers, alongside GM Danny Briere—who shared the ice with Tocchet—fortifies the community's connection with the new head coach. The transition bears risks, particularly if the organization faces challenges that exceed immediate expectations, yet parallels with other successful coaches like Rod Brind'Amour suggest that the right leadership can pivot a struggling franchise toward future success.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks opted to promote assistant coach Adam Foote to the role of head coach, sparking mixed reactions among fans and analysts alike. Despite the tumultuous experiences of the previous season, which included player trades and turmoil, the Canucks have shown glimpses of potential, particularly under Tocchet's defensive strategies. Foote, who once worked alongside Tocchet, is already familiar with the team's dynamics, potentially serving as a stabilizing force amidst the organization's ongoing adjustments. While some may view the promotion of an internal candidate as a passive choice, Foote's continuity might provide the necessary familiarity and support for players as they navigate the rebuilding process. Despite the optimism surrounding the Canucks' new leadership, skepticism about the front office's decisions lingers, particularly considering the speculation surrounding key player Quinn Hughes' future with the organization.