The NHL coaching carousel continues as three new head coaches were introduced by their respective teams this week. Sheldon Keefe quickly rebounded with the Devils after being let go by the Maple Leafs. Despite having a contract extension with the Maple Leafs, Keefe was eager to jump back into coaching with the New Jersey Devils, citing the support and resources offered by the team’s management. With an impressive core of young talent, the Devils are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and return to contender status in the Metropolitan Division.
Dan Bylsma made his NHL return with the Seattle Kraken after spending time coaching in the AHL. Bylsma, who won a Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2009, has impressed with his coaching abilities at the minor-league level and is eager to lead the Kraken to success. After a disappointing season that saw the Kraken miss the playoffs, Bylsma faces the challenge of turning the team around and building a winning culture in Seattle.
The Winnipeg Jets also promoted from within, elevating associate coach Scott Arniel to the head coaching position following the retirement of Rick Bowness. Arniel, a former player for the Jets, has been with the team for the past two seasons and has played a key role in the team’s success. With a strong foundation laid by Bowness and Arniel, the Jets are looking to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
As the coaching carousel continues, the San Jose Sharks are the only team left with an NHL coaching opening. The Sharks are rumored to be considering several candidates for the head coaching position, including former Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, current Sharks assistant Ryan Warsofsky, and former Sharks center Marco Sturm. After a dismal season that saw them finish last in the league, the Sharks are hoping to turn their fortunes around with an influx of young talent, including top draft picks Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini.
Overall, the NHL coaching landscape is evolving with familiar faces returning to head coaching positions and teams looking to build on recent successes. With the offseason in full swing, teams are making strategic decisions to position themselves for success in the upcoming season. As the final coaching vacancy is filled and preparations for the 2024 draft begin, fans are eager to see how these coaching changes will impact the league and which teams will emerge as contenders in the coming season.
