NHL Coaches: Potential Jobs at Risk

By Ryan Ritchie | Sep 23, 2015

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Nov 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien looks on during the overtime period of the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 overtime win at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

It seems that after every NHL season begins and teams start to falter early, that coaches can land themselves on the hot seat pretty quickly. More often than not, the early signs are there where we can identify who is likely to lose their job if things aren’t going well. On rare occasions, they surprise us.

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Heading into the 2015-2016 season, we’ve already got 7 new teams featuring a new bench boss:

Parts of the information below are property of nhl.com’s “7 new coaches” article.

Dave Hakstol, Philadelphia Flyers

Hakstol’s first NHL coaching gig (hired in May after replacing Craig Berube). Has spent last 15 seasons with University of North Dakota.

Todd McLellan, Edmonton Oilers

A month after he finished his tenure with the San Jose Sharks, new GM Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton appointed McLellan the man to steer the boat featuring new phenom Connor McDavid.

Mike Babcock, Toronto Maple Leafs

Sep 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock (center) on the bench against the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Ottawa 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Babcock quickly became the highest paid coach in NHL history (8 yrs 50 million) after a year of speculation came to fruition. His success with the Red Wings speaks for itself. Now he hopes to turn-around a franchise that could use some Detroit-like successes.

Dan Bylsma, Buffalo Sabres

Bylsma is widely known for his successes with the Pittsburgh Penguins during his 5 1/2 year tenure. Even though he may not have been the most flashy hiring, he does step in to the most advantageous position of any coach. It’s a roster that’s completely overturned and being immersed with some extremely talented young players.

Peter DeBoer, San Jose Sharks

Even though his time in New Jersey ended with a pretty ugly record, it’s worth noting he did coach a team to the Cup Finals that over-exceeded expectations. He also spent some time with the Florida Panthers. Ironically, DeBoer lost out on the Sharks coaching position to McClellan seven years ago. Maybe he’ll feel he has something to prove.

John Hynes, New Jersey Devils

Coming from Wilkes-Barre of the AHL, his first coaching gig won’t come with too high of expectations. He takes over a basement dweller team and hopes to steer the boat in the right direction as the youth develops. There’s some good pieces in place, but a lot of work to do for GM Ray Shero.

Jeff Blashill, Detroit Red Wings

Blashill was the obvious decision after leading Grand Rapids to numerous successes in the AHL. The question is what the expectations will be for the new bench boss? He walks into an interesting situation in goal, but has a lot of stability up and down the lineup with tons of young prospects knocking on the door.

Next: Trouble in Beantown?

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