NHL Coach Firings and Hirings That Didn’t Make the Headlines
Sometimes it feels like NHL teams swap coaches faster than lines during a power play. This offseason brought a wave of changes behind the bench, some expected, others surprising. These coaching moves could seriously shift the tone for next season.
Mike Sullivan Returns to Rangers with Record-Breaking Deal
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On May 2, 2025, the New York Rangers appointed Mike Sullivan as head coach, marking his return to the franchise where he previously served as an assistant from 2009 to 2013. Sullivan, who led the Penguins to Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017, signed a record $32.5 million contract over five years.
Joel Quenneville Rejoins NHL with Anaheim Ducks
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The Anaheim Ducks brought back Joel Quenneville on May 8, 2025, after a league-approved reinstatement. With 969 career wins and three Stanley Cups, Quenneville returns after a long suspension linked to the 2010 Blackhawks scandal. The team believes his championship pedigree can spark a return to playoff relevance.
Rick Tocchet Returns to Flyers as Head Coach
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Rick Tocchet rejoined the Flyers as head coach on May 14, 2025, following his award-winning stint with the Canucks. Tocchet, who won the Jack Adams Award in 2023–24, previously played for Philadelphia. His return marks a significant leadership move as the franchise continues a deep rebuild.
Adam Foote Promoted to Head Coach of Vancouver Canucks
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The Canucks named Adam Foote head coach on May 14, following Tocchet’s exit. Foote had spent three seasons as a Vancouver assistant and brings additional experience from coaching in the WHL. The organization is betting on his player development skills and chemistry with the current roster.
Jim Montgomery Dismissed by Boston Bruins
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Jim Montgomery was fired by the Bruins on November 19, 2024, after an underwhelming 8–9–3 start. Despite a stellar 120–41–23 overall record and a Presidents’ Trophy, back-to-back playoff losses to the Panthers proved costly. He quickly landed a job with the Blues and led them to the playoffs.
Luke Richardson Fired by Chicago Blackhawks
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The Blackhawks dismissed Luke Richardson on December 5, 2024, amid growing frustration over the team’s stagnation. His 3–9–1 stretch early in the season sealed his fate. With top talent like Connor Bedard on the roster, Chicago elevated Anders Sorensen from their AHL affiliate to take interim control.
John Tortorella Let Go by Philadelphia Flyers
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John Tortorella was fired on March 27, 2025, with just nine games left in the season. The Flyers had spiraled to 29–36–9, prompting GM Daniel Briere to call it “rock bottom.” Tortorella leaves with no playoff appearances during his tenure. Brad Shaw took over interim coaching duties.
Greg Cronin Dismissed by Anaheim Ducks
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Anaheim parted ways with Greg Cronin on April 19, 2025, despite a 21-point improvement from the previous year. Cronin went 35–37–10 in his second season but failed to end the Ducks’ extended playoff drought. The organization pivoted to Joel Quenneville to bring in veteran leadership.
Peter Laviolette Released by New York Rangers
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The Rangers let go of Peter Laviolette on April 19, 2025, following a disappointing season that saw the team miss the playoffs. Laviolette had guided them to the Presidents’ Trophy and Eastern Conference Final just a year earlier. His departure cleared the way for Mike Sullivan’s arrival.
Dan Bylsma Fired by Seattle Kraken
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Dan Bylsma’s stint with the Seattle Kraken lasted only one season and ended with his dismissal on April 21, 2025. Despite his Stanley Cup pedigree, the team regressed and finished fourth-worst in the West. His quick departure surprised many, but Seattle felt a leadership reset was necessary.
Mike Sullivan Parts Ways with Pittsburgh Penguins
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After nearly a decade in Pittsburgh, Mike Sullivan and the Penguins mutually agreed to part ways on April 28, 2025. Sullivan leaves with two Stanley Cups and a 409-225 record. The Penguins, now three seasons removed from the playoffs, are searching for fresh direction behind the bench.
Rick Tocchet Departs Vancouver Canucks
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Rick Tocchet opted not to return to the Canucks after his club option expired. He led Vancouver to a division title and earned the Jack Adams Award, but cited the need for a change. The Canucks quickly promoted Adam Foote to signal a new phase in the franchise’s direction.
Lindy Ruff Rehired by Buffalo Sabres
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Lindy Ruff returned to coach the Sabres in April 2024 after taking over from Don Granato. Ruff, Buffalo’s longest-serving coach, previously led the team for 16 years. In April 2025, he notched his 900th career win and joined an elite group of NHL coaches to reach that milestone.
Dean Evason Appointed Head Coach of Columbus Blue Jackets
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The Blue Jackets hired Dean Evason on July 22, 2024, replacing Pascal Vincent. Evason, formerly with the Minnesota Wild, was brought in to stabilize a struggling team that finished last in the Metropolitan Division. His defensive-first style may bring the structure Columbus needs to turn things around.
Craig Berube Hired by Toronto Maple Leafs
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Toronto appointed Craig Berube head coach on May 17, 2024, succeeding Sheldon Keefe. Berube, who led the Blues to a Stanley Cup in 2019, is known for instilling accountability and grit. The Maple Leafs are hoping his no-nonsense style can finally guide their talented roster past early playoff exits.