The conclusion of the 2023-24 NHL season has left a notable number of head coaching vacancies, with eight teams searching for new leadership heading into the offseason. The coaching carousel has begun to spin rapidly, as five teams have filled their positions relatively quickly. As the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken continue their coaching searches, it is an opportune moment to assess the recent hires made across the league. Which coaches will the remaining franchises regret not securing as part of their plans for the next season?

Among the early hires, the Chicago Blackhawks' decision to appoint former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill stands out, meriting a grade of B. This move was anticipated, as Blashill was let go from Detroit in April 2022 after a seven-year tenure overseeing the franchise's rebuilding efforts. With a solid background in player development, Blashill has experience coaching at various levels, including the USHL, NCAA, and AHL. He notably served on the staff of coaching stalwart Jon Cooper during his last three years with the Tampa Bay Lightning, strengthening his credentials for a 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 player development and leading teams through rebuilds positions him as a fitting choice to guide Chicago in its efforts to revitalize the organization. Although expectations for immediate success are tempered, it is evident that the Blackhawks are prioritizing a fresh approach as they navigate their rebuild.

The hiring of Mike Sullivan by the New York Rangers is another significant decision, earning an A+ grade. After a tumultuous previous season for the Rangers, Sullivan's appointment appears to be a definitive step toward restoring the team's competitive stature. Rangers' General Manager Chris Drury leveraged his longstanding relationship with Sullivan, who recently parted ways with the Penguins after a decade filled with playoff appearances and two Stanley Cup victories. Sullivan now enters into a high-stakes environment, having signed a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, marking him as the highest-paid coach in NHL history. His impressive track record in Pittsburgh, including a 409-255-89 regular season record, positions Sullivan as an adept leader tasked with guiding the Rangers back to contention in a challenging Eastern Conference.

Rick Tocchet's hiring by the Philadelphia Flyers brings both hope and apprehension, earning a grade of B-. Known for his passion and coaching prowess, Tocchet received recognition for his successful tenure with the Vancouver Canucks. His close connections with the franchise, both as a player and coach, add an emotional layer to this hire. While the potential for revitalizing the Flyers' fortunes under Tocchet is high, especially given his history of player development, there exists a degree of risk. The sentiment surrounding Tocchet carries pressures where expectations may exceed the team's current capabilities. This decision could usher in a new era for Philadelphia, though concerns linger about whether it is too soon for the franchise legend to take on such a formidable challenge.

Conversely, the Vancouver Canucks' decision to promote assistant coach Adam Foote from within the organization raises eyebrows, meriting a grade of B. Despite the poor performance of the Canucks in the previous season, the team’s defensive strategies under Tocchet had displayed promise. Foote, who supported Tocchet as an assistant, inherits a squad that must recover from a tumultuous season impacted by injuries and inconsistent play. Repeatedly promoting from within the ranks often invites skepticism, and speculation abounds regarding the motivations behind this choice. However, Foote's prior engagement with the players and familiarity with the organization's dynamics may provide the stability required for a long-overdue turnaround. Success will depend on whether the Canucks can build on their past improvements while navigating present challenges.