The NHL coaching carousel is starting the spin.   The New York Rangers already snagged one of the...

The NHL coaching carousel is starting the spin. The New York Rangers already snagged one of the most highly coveted coaches on the market in Mike Sullivan, but there are still six other vacancies - and potentially more coming - across the league. Several high-profile coaches are available, including Rick Tocchet, Peter Laviolette, and John Tortorella.Below, we'll rank the remaining coaching jobs by appeal. This is not based solely on how good the team is right now, but also on the stability of the organization's ownership and front office, the club's future outlook, and the off-ice living environment.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>We initially listed the Anaheim Ducks at No. 1, but they <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282627" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282627">reportedly hired</a> Joel Quenneville to fill their vacancy Thursday morning.<h3>6. Philadelphia Flyers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/cropped_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758265/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187605214.jpg?ts=1733061428 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Matvei Michkov</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
</ul><div>Cons</div><ul>
<li>Poor roster</li>
<li>Middling farm system</li>
<li>Harsh fan base</li>
<li>Inexperienced front office</li>
</ul>This job is going to be a tough sell. The Flyers are coming off a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference, and a quick turnaround doesn't seem likely.Michkov is a great building block, while Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim are among the nice supporting pieces. Otherwise, this roster lacks talent, and the rebuild is still in its infancy.There's also no guarantee the front office, led by president of hockey operations Keith Jones and general manager Daniel Briere, can turn the ship around. Jones had zero front office experience before taking his current job in 2023, while Briere is in his first stint as an NHL GM.<h3>5. Pittsburgh Penguins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/cropped_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777144/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206592119.jpg?ts=1742912371 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Joe Sargent / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Sidney Crosby</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>Aging roster</li>
<li>Rebuild just beginning</li>
<li>Middling farm system</li>
</ul>Coaching Crosby would be tough to pass up, but there's not much else to like here. The competitive window with the old guard is firmly shut, and it'll be a while before the next wave is ready to take over. With the average NHL coaching tenure lasting two to three years, it's hard to imagine the Penguins will return to contention under their next head coach.<h3>4. Seattle Kraken</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/cropped_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w220xh124_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w320xh180_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w640xh360_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w768xh432_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781732/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1504243589.jpg?ts=1745268514 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>No state income tax</li>
<li>Strong blue line</li>
<li>Weak division</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>No elite players</li>
<li>No direction</li>
<li>Impatient front office</li>
<li>Poor contracts</li>
</ul>The Kraken are stuck in NHL purgatory: not good enough to contend, but not bad enough to bottom out for high draft picks.Ron Francis, who was recently promoted from GM to president of hockey operations, tried to make Seattle immediately competitive by overspending in free agency. But the results aren't great: just one playoff appearance in four seasons and several bad contracts. Francis' impatience was on full display this summer when he fired Dan Bylsma after just one year as head coach.The Kraken could squeak into the playoffs if their new hire can push the right buttons and get some good fortune. But if they fail to meet the front office's unrealistic expectations of a flawed roster, they too could be out of a job after one campaign.<h3>3. Vancouver Canucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/cropped_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780721/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209788699.jpg?ts=1744738928 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Derek Cain / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Quinn Hughes</li>
<li>Aggressive front office</li>
<li>Weak division</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>Forward talent</li>
<li>Might need to rebuild soon</li>
<li>High-pressure market</li>
</ul>Rick Tocchet was the NHL's coach of the year in 2023-24 after guiding the Canucks to a Pacific Division title. A season later, he chose to leave the team after a tumultuous, drama-filled campaign in which Vancouver missed the playoffs altogether.The opportunity to coach Hughes, who is in his prime and one of the game's best players, is the biggest sell for this job. But he's eligible for an extension July 1, 2026 and, if the Canucks can't sign him to a long-term deal, they could be forced to trade him. There's already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3272109" href="https://thescore.com/news/3272109">talk</a> that he may want to play with his brothers. Without Hughes, Vancouver would likely have to rebuild. Brock Boeser is a pending free agent this offseason and isn't expected to return, which doesn't help the cause.The blue line is solid. The goaltending tandem has potential, especially if Thatcher Demko can bounce back. But outside of Elias Pettersson - who's coming off the worst year of his career - there's not a lot of talent up front.The Canucks will likely be aggressive in free agency, using most of their $16 million in cap space on forward help. If they get a spark, there's a path to the playoffs in 2025-26. But the future is murky beyond that.<h3>2. Boston Bruins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/cropped_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774163/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203476522.jpg?ts=1741476099 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark LoMoglio / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Star talent</li>
<li>Winning culture</li>
<li>Prestigious franchise</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
<li>Cap space</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>Job security</li>
<li>Poor farm system</li>
<li>Forward depth</li>
<li>Tough division</li>
<li>High-pressure market</li>
</ul>It seemed like everything went wrong for the Bruins in 2024-25. Their top two defensemen, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, missed a combined 97 games. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman put together the worst campaign of his career. It resulted in a 15th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, snapping an eight-year playoff streak.However, it's easy to envision Boston bouncing back. The core - featuring David Pastrnak, McAvoy, and Swayman - is all signed long term. The Bruins are loaded with $28 million in cap space and, while some of that will go toward retaining restricted free agents Morgan Geekie and Mason Lohrei, the rest can be spent to bolster an uninspiring forward group.This could be a one-and-done scenario without a return to the playoffs, though, so the pressure is on. GM Don Sweeney is entering the last year of his contract, and president Cam Neely recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3273332" href="https://thescore.com/news/3273332">said</a> he's still deciding if he wants to extend him. Another year without postseason hockey would likely mean the end of Sweeney, and a new GM would probably want to bring in his own coach.<h3>1. Chicago Blackhawks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/cropped_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776785/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205883811.jpg?ts=1742754424 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pros<ul>
<li>Talented, young core</li>
<li>Strong farm system</li>
<li>No. 3 pick</li>
<li>Prestigious franchise</li>
<li>Wealthy ownership</li>
<li>Cap space</li>
</ul>Cons<ul>
<li>NHL's 2nd-worst team</li>
<li>Far from contending</li>
<li>High-pressure market</li>
</ul>The Blackhawks have a long way to go, but there's a lot to like about a team built around Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, whoever they select with the No. 3 pick this year, and several other young, ascending players. While this team may be terrible right now, there isn't any immediate pressure to make the playoffs. The front office will likely just seek progress, which shouldn't be hard to generate after a 61-point season. The pressure to make the playoffs - both from ownership and the fan base - likely won't come until 2027 or 2028. So this coach will probably get a runway of at least two seasons, as long as the team progresses.This job will require patience, but the upside is high.

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Which remaining NHL head coaching vacancy is most appealing?

Max Pacioretty has been a revelation for the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The grizzled veteran recorded ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/666" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/666">Max Pacioretty</a> has been a revelation for the Toronto Maple Leafs.The grizzled veteran recorded his third straight multi-point game of the postseason in the Maple Leafs' 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 2 on Wednesday. He scored Toronto's first goal of the game before setting up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>'s tally with a sweet primary assist."He's doing a great job now for us in a lot of areas of the game, not just the scoring," head coach Craig Berube <a href="https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/craig-berube-post-game-6372501803112">told</a> reporters postgame. "He's played a pivotal role with the physicality, and how we want to play, the heavy style of game. He's been a good fit."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pacioretty scored Toronto's series-clinching goal late in the third period in Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators after picking up an assist earlier in the contest. He contributed a pair of helpers in a 5-4 victory against Florida in Game 1.Overall, he's produced six points in six playoff games despite averaging just 12:47 per contest. His physicality has also been on full display with a team-leading 31 hits.Receiving these types of contributions from Pacioretty would've been hard to believe at certain points this season. The 36-year-old joined the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout in training camp before eventually inking a one-year, $874,000 contract, plus incentives. He scored just five goals in 37 games during the regular season and missed the final 27 contests of the campaign with an injury. He was a healthy scratch in Games 1 and 2 against the Senators.Pacioretty was once a prolific offensive player, reaching the 30-goal mark six times during his heyday with the Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights. His production tailed off after he tore his Achilles twice in a five-month span in 2022-23, but he's proven this postseason that he still has gas left in the tank."I think it goes back with his injuries and effort, commitment he put back to getting healthy," Berube said. "It's showing now, in my opinion, that he's very dedicated in that aspect. He didn't want to go out that way."

TORONTO, ON - MAY 05: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Max Pacioretty (67) reacts during the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs second round game one between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 5, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Berube: Pacioretty's 'played a pivotal role' in Maple Leafs' success

Premier forwards Mark Scheifele and Jason Robertson returned for the Dallas Stars' 3-2 victory in...

Premier forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> returned for the Dallas Stars' 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the Winnipeg Jets.Scheifele, Winnipeg's first-line center, missed the last two contests of Round 1 with an undisclosed ailment. However, Jets' No. 1 defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> was not in the lineup after he left Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues with an apparent injury.Robertson, Dallas' leading goal-scorer during the regular season, made his 2025 playoff debut after missing all of Round 1 due to a lower-body issue.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Scheifele took a pair of hard hits in Game 5 against the Blues. He's tallied two goals and four assists in five postseason outings.Robertson recorded 35 goals and 45 assists in 82 games before he was hurt in the regular-season finale.Morrissey led all Jets defenders in points (62) and average time on ice (24:23) during the regular season. With fellow blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5603" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5603">Logan Stanley</a> also out, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3136" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3136">Colin Miller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4124">Haydn Fleury</a> entered Winnipeg's lineup on the back end.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 19: Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets gets set to take a second period face-off against the St. Louis Blues in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canada Life Centre on April 19, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Blues 5-3 and lead the series 1-0.

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Scheifele, Robertson return for Game 1 of Jets-Stars

The Edmonton Oilers scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1...

The Edmonton Oilers scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1 on Tuesday, making NHL history in the process.The Oilers are the first team ever with five straight comeback wins in a single Stanley Cup Playoffs.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Largest deficit</th>
<th>Final score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1 vs. Golden Knights</td>
<td>2-0</td>
<td>4-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 6 vs. Kings</td>
<td>2-1</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 5 vs. Kings</td>
<td>1-0</td>
<td>3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 4 vs. Kings</td>
<td>3-1</td>
<td>4-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3 vs. Kings</td>
<td>4-3</td>
<td>7-4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>"You don't want to be down in five games, but we have the experience that we can come back and fight our way out of it," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-hyman-05-06-25-6372451102112">said</a> postgame. "You have to have that belief in your group when you're down that you can come back. If you don't, you're not gonna win five in a row like that."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edmonton has outscored its opponents 18-6 in the third period and overtime this postseason.Hyman ripped the game-winner off the post and in with 3:02 remaining in the third period Tuesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a> notched a key insurance marker 1:16 later to seal the victory.Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said he's been "very happy" with his club's third-period efforts in these playoffs. "That's part of having a mature, older group. ... Those players have seen a lot - a lot of good things, a lot of bad things," Knoblauch <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-knoblauch-05-06-25-6372451217112">said</a> when asked about Edmonton's lack of panic when facing a deficit. "They know that, during the playoffs, things fluctuate."There's a lot of things that can stress out the team, and no matter what happens, I think we handle it really well." <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> also scored for the Oilers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> chipped in with two assists apiece.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> stopped 15 of 17 shots in the victory. The journeyman netminder is now a perfect 5-0 in five starts this postseason since taking over for a struggling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>.The puck drops on Game 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. "It gives you a great opportunity," Hyman said. "Obviously, you steal one in their rink, and now you have a chance at taking both, so we haven't been in that spot a lot."We've always kind of had to fight from behind in series, and it's nice to get the first one out of the way early."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates with teammates after a goal during the third period of Game One of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on May 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo was not in the lineup for Tuesday's Game 1 loss ...

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> was not in the lineup for Tuesday's Game 1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers due to an illness, the team announced.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10043" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10043">Kaedan Korczak</a> entered the lineup in Pietrangelo's place on a pairing with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6456" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6456">Nic Hague</a> for his Stanley Cup Playoff debut.Pietrangelo led all Golden Knights defensemen in average time on ice (22:24) during the regular season. He finished third among the team's blue-liners with 33 points in 71 games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 35-year-old has tallied 77 points in 145 career playoff games and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.Korczak, a second-round pick by Vegas in 2019, recorded 10 assists in 40 appearances this season.

ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 26: Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (7) shoots the puck during the first period of Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild on April 26th, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

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Golden Knights' Pietrangelo out for Game 1 with illness

Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was forced to exit Toronto's Game 1 victory over the Flori...

Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> was forced to exit Toronto's Game 1 victory over the Florida Panthers after getting hit in the head by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> during the second period.The Maple Leafs eventually ruled out Stolarz for the remainder of the game.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sam Bennett makes contact with the head of Anthony Stolarz who is slow to get up 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/BjnhbA4Ysm">pic.twitter.com/BjnhbA4Ysm</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1919563552278405411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Stolarz appeared to <a href="https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1919572729206133222">vomit</a> over the Maple Leafs' bench during a TV timeout before exiting the game. He left Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher during the third period and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation, reports <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919596581193486559">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bennett was not penalized for the play."Elbow to the head, clearly. Clear as day," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1919594102686896550">said</a> postgame.Berube added: "I'm not sure why there's not a call on it. I get it, they miss calls, but it's clearly a penalty."Bennett has been suspended twice in his 11-year NHL career."Hopefully the league will handle it and protect our players," Maple Leafs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a>, who scored the game-winner, <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1919591430583996564">added</a>.Bennett was not made available to speak postgame despite requests from the media.Backup goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> entered Toronto's crease in Stolarz's place. Woll made 17 saves on 20 shots during the 5-4 win.Stolarz stopped eight of nine shots before departing the contest.The 31-year-old ranked first among all NHL netminders with a .926 save percentage in 34 games during the regular season. He led the Maple Leafs to a Round 1 win over the Ottawa Senators with a .901 save percentage in six contests.Woll went 27-14-1 during the regular season with a .909 save percentage. He owned a .933 mark in seven career playoff games entering Monday.

TORONTO, ON - MAY 05: Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz (41) tends the net during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs second round game one between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 5, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Maple Leafs' Stolarz injured after collision with Panthers' Bennett

The New York Islanders will pick first overall after winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery on Monday...

The New York Islanders will pick first overall after winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery on Monday.The Islanders entered the lottery with a 3.5% chance of winning, the 10th-best odds.The Utah Hockey Club won the second draw, moving up the maximum of 10 spots to fourth overall, while the San Jose Sharks, who entered the lottery with the best odds, dropped to second.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's the order:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 draft lottery results" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WGFT1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WGFT1/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="687" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();</figure>More to come.</script></figure>Montreal's 16th pick is from the Calgary Flames as part of a 2022 trade involving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a>. Calgary would've retained the selection had it won either lottery and moved into the top 10.Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is widely considered the top player in this year's class. Forwards Michael Misa, James Hagens, Porter Martone, and Anton Frondell are candidates to round out the top five.The Islanders have picked first overall four previous times. They selected John Tavares (2009), Rick DiPietro (2000), Denis Potvin (1973), and Billy Harris (1972).It remains to be seen who will make the selection this time around for the Islanders, who are currently without a general manager following the decision to not renew Lou Lamoriello's contract.The 2025 NHL Draft will be held June 27-28 in Los Angeles.

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 05: Detailed view of the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery set at NHL Network Studio on May 5, 2025 in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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Islanders win NHL Draft Lottery

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, and Calgary ...

San Jose Sharks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a>, Montreal Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12709" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12709">Lane Hutson</a>, and Calgary Flames goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9990" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9990">Dustin Wolf</a> are the finalists for the Calder Trophy, the league announced Monday.The award is given to the player who is most proficient in his first year in the NHL, as voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.Celebrini, the reigning first overall pick, tallied 25 goals and 38 assists in 70 outings. He led the Sharks in points and led all rookie skaters in points per game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hutson's 66 points were tied for the fourth-most ever by a rookie defenseman. He paced all first-year players in points and tied for sixth among all NHL blue-liners. The 21-year-old helped lead the Canadiens to a surprise playoff appearance.Wolf nearly dragged the Flames to the postseason, going 29-16-8 with a .910 save percentage in 53 starts. His 26.38 goals saved above expected was the seventh-most among all NHL goalies, according to <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.Hutson won unanimously in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268992">theScore's hypothetical ballot</a>.The winner will be unveiled in June.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks skates with control of the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period of an NHL hockey game at SAP Center on April 16, 2025 in San Jose, California.

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Celebrini, Hutson, Wolf voted Calder Trophy finalists

The New York Rangers officially named Mike Sullivan their new head coach on Friday, the team anno...

The New York Rangers officially named Mike Sullivan their new head coach on Friday, the team announced.Sullivan's contract is expected to be one of the most lucrative in NHL history for a head coach, <a href="https://x.com/emilymkaplan/status/1918073695446184353">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a> reported Thursday."Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL," Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. "Given his numerous accomplishments throughout his coaching career - including two Stanley Cups and leading Team USA at the international level - Mike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sullivan spent the last decade with the Pittsburgh Penguins and won back-to-back Stanley Cups in his first two years on the job in 2016 and 2017.The 57-year-old was considered one of the most highly sought-after coaches in a market that now includes seven active vacancies. The Anaheim Ducks were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278878" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278878">reportedly</a> among the teams interested in his services.Sullivan also spent two seasons as head coach of the Boston Bruins from 2003-06. His 479 career wins are the 32nd most in NHL history.The Massachusetts native guided Team USA to a second-place finish at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. He's also set to lead the Americans at the 2026 Olympics in Milan.The Rangers are coming off a highly disappointing season. They went from winning the Presidents' Trophy and making the Eastern Conference Final in 2024 to missing the playoffs entirely in 2025 under Peter Laviolette.The roster is still built to win now, though. Many members of the team's core - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> - are over the age of 30. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a> (27) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8558">Igor Shesterkin</a> (29) are among the exceptions.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 05: Head Coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the second period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on January 05, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Rangers hire Mike Sullivan as head coach

The Anaheim Ducks are casting a wide net for their coaching search.  The club interviewed Jay Woo...

The Anaheim Ducks are casting a wide net for their coaching search.The club interviewed Jay Woodcroft, met with David Carle, and contacted Mike Sullivan, <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1917997987814597018">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> reported.It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3275425" href="https://thescore.com/news/3275425">reported</a> Saturday that the Ducks also interviewed Joel Quenneville.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Woodcroft was head coach of the Edmonton Oilers for parts of three seasons before being fired following a 3-9-1 start to the 2023-24 campaign. His .643 career winning percentage is the eight-highest all time among coaches with at least 100 games.Carle is the head coach at the University of Denver. He's led the Pioneers to two national championships over the last four years. The 35-year-old has also guided Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the World Juniors in 2024 and 2025.Sullivan and the Pittsburgh Penguins parted ways Monday after a 10-year run, which included back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. His 479 wins are the 32nd most in NHL history.The Ducks fired Greg Cronin after the team failed to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. They're mired in a seven-year postseason drought.Anaheim is one of eight coaching vacancies across the league, along with the Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Jay Woodcroft of the Edmonton Oilers attends a press conference after the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers at Commonwealth Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Report: Ducks interested in hiring Woodcroft, Carle, Sullivan

The Winnipeg Jets will be without first-line center Mark Scheifele for Game 6 against the St. Lou...

The Winnipeg Jets will be without first-line center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> for Game 6 against the St. Louis Blues on Friday, head coach Scott Arniel announced Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/WiebesWorld/status/1917987665556787563">Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press</a>.Scheifele was hit hard by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> early in the first period of Game 5, then hit again by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2601">Radek Faksa</a> later in the opening frame. He departed the contest and didn't return.Arniel and Blues head coach Jim Montgomery got into a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278714" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278714">heated exchange</a> postgame about how Scheifele got hurt. Montgomery argued Scheifele was hurt from the Faksa hit, and Arniel clapped back, saying, "I didn't know Monty got his medical degree." Arniel was critical of Schenn's hit.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Jets coach would not confirm or deny if Scheifele was in concussion protocol. "I'm not going down that road," Arniel said.Arniel added that winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> won't play in Game 6, either, but is travelling with the team. Ehlers hasn't played since suffering a foot injury April 12.Scheifele tallied 39 goals and 48 assists during the regular season, finishing second on the team to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> in both categories. Scheifele has added six points in five postseason contests.The Jets' center depth behind Scheifele consists of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2119" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2119">Vladislav Namestnikov</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9918" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9918">Morgan Barron</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8634" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8634">David Gustafsson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9821" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9821">Rasmus Kupari</a>. Wingers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabriel Vilardi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9198" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9198">Cole Perfetti</a> have played center in the past.Winnipeg holds a 3-2 series lead. Game 7, if necessary, would be Sunday.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 21: Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets plays the puck away from Cam Fowler #17 of the St. Louis Blues during second period action in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on April 21, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Jets' Scheifele won't play in Game 6 vs. Blues

The Vegas Golden Knights will be without Pavel Dorofeyev for Thursday's Game 6 against the Minnes...

The Vegas Golden Knights will be without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11091" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11091">Pavel Dorofeyev</a> for Thursday's Game 6 against the Minnesota Wild, head coach Bruce Cassidy announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/JesseGranger_/status/1917982332969009417">The Athletic's Jesse Granger</a>.Cassidy added that Dorofeyev is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.Dorofeyev, the Golden Knights' leading goal-scorer during the regular season, didn't play in overtime in Vegas' 3-2 win over the Wild in Game 5.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 24-year-old winger enjoyed a breakout season in 2024-25, tallying a team-leading 35 goals in 82 games. He's managed a goal and an assist in five playoff contests.Dorofeyev had been skating on Vegas' top line and No. 1 power-play unit. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> was promoted to the top line in his place, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7665" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7665">Victor Olofsson</a> took his spot on the power play at Thursday's <a href="https://x.com/JesseGranger_/status/1917968877637538130">morning skate</a>.The Golden Knights lead the series 3-2.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 22: Pavel Dorofeyev #16 of the Vegas Golden Knights reacts after an empty-net goal by Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild in the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wild defeated the Golden Knights 5-2.

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Golden Knights' Dorofeyev day-to-day, will miss Game 6

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, and Tampa Bay...

Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>, Winnipeg Jets goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a>, and Tampa Bay Lightning winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> are the three finalists for the Hart Trophy, the league announced Thursday.The Hart Trophy is presented annually to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team and is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.Kucherov is also a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278122" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278122">finalist</a> for the Ted Lindsay Award, which is given to the league's most outstanding player, as voted on by his peers. Colorado Avalanche stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> are the other finalists for the Lindsay.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Draisaitl (2020) and Kucherov (2019) are looking to win their second career Hart Trophies. Hellebuyck is looking for his first and aiming to become the first goalie to win the award since Carey Price in 2015.Kucherov led the NHL with 121 points in 78 games this season, securing his third career Art Ross Trophy. He also finished tied for first with 84 assists.Draisaitl finished tied for third in points (106) and paced all skaters with 52 goals - seven more than second-place <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>. Draisaitl also missed 11 games due to injury.Hellebuyck racked up 47 wins, one shy of matching the NHL single-season record. He also led all goaltenders in goals-against average (2.00), shutouts (eight), goals saved above expected (49.48, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>), and finished second in save percentage (.925). His contributions helped the Jets secure their first-ever Presidents' Trophy.Hellebuyck edged out Draisaitl in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268992">theScore's hypothetical ballot</a>.The winner will be announced in June.

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 25: Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on April 25, 2025, in Edmonton, Canada.

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Draisaitl, Hellebuyck, Kucherov voted Hart Trophy finalists

St. Louis Blues coach Jim Montgomery and Winnipeg Jets bench boss Scott Arniel had some choice wo...

St. Louis Blues coach Jim Montgomery and Winnipeg Jets bench boss Scott Arniel had some choice words for each other while discussing how Winnipeg's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2150" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2150">Mark Scheifele</a> got <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278564" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278564">injured</a> in Game 5.Arniel said it was the result of a heavy hit delivered by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> 6:10 into the first period, while Montgomery asserted it occurred when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2601" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2601">Radek Faksa</a> stood Scheifele up with under three minutes left in the opening frame."Let's make it clear, 55 (Scheifele) got hurt from the Faksa hit," Montgomery told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1917812256563253327">TSN</a>. "He played six minutes after the Schenn hit. He didn't come back after he got rocked by Faksa."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arniel clapped back at the Blues coach."I didn't know Monty got his medical degree. Trying to say how our player got hurt - he's way off base," Arniel said. "He should not make that comment."Arniel added that the Jets have spoken to the NHL throughout the series about some hits from the Blues."There's some things that have been going on in this series and that was a repeat of what we've seen before: A player leaving his feet and hitting a player in a very unprotected spot ... almost blindsiding him," Arniel continued. "Not happy how the call was made. Two-minute minor. Not even looking at it is what I was upset about. It's something we have talked to the league about for five games."Here's a look at the hit from Schenn:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ekk5zXgrlBA?si=w9ihzDOBUCY3TI2d" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>And here's the hit from Faksa:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Monty on Scheifele injury: "Let's make it clear -- No. 55 (Scheifele) got hurt from the Faksa hit. He played six minutes after the Schenn hit. He didn't come back after he got rocked by Faksa." Here's the Faksa hit ... <a href="https://t.co/Hmu2deXz8p">pic.twitter.com/Hmu2deXz8p</a>— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) <a href="https://twitter.com/jprutherford/status/1917806309648523643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Scheifele did not return after the hit from Faksa. No supplemental discipline will result from the game, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1917949337323049043">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.The Jets were able to pull out a 5-3 victory without their top center for most of the game, taking a 3-2 series lead in the process.Scheifele tallied a career-high 87 points during the regular season, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5545" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5545">Kyle Connor</a> (97) on Winnipeg's roster. He's managed six points in five playoff games thus far.The Jets could be in tough if Scheifele is forced to miss extended time. Second-line center was already considered a weakness for Winnipeg, though <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2119" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2119">Vladislav Namestnikov</a> did step up in a big way with a goal and an assist in Game 5. Winnipeg's other centers include captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2147" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2147">Adam Lowry</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9918" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9918">Morgan Barron</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9821" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9821">Rasmus Kupari</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8634" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8634">David Gustafsson</a>. Wingers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9198" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9198">Cole Perfetti</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabriel Vilardi</a> have also played center in the past.Game 6 is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 21: Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets and Radek Faksa #12 of the St. Louis Blues chase the puck along the boards during second period action in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre on April 21, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Arniel: Montgomery 'way off base' to say which hit hurt Scheifele

The NHL is due for some new blood in the coaching ranks.   Veteran head coaches are routinely rec...

The NHL is due for some new blood in the coaching ranks. Veteran head coaches are routinely recycled around the league. There's a chance that's no different this offseason with experienced options such as Mike Sullivan, Rick Tocchet, Joel Quenneville, Peter Laviolette, and John Tortorella being available.But with eight vacancies - Canucks, Ducks, Bruins, Blackhawks, Rangers, Flyers, Penguins, and Kraken - and potentially more coming, some teams may prefer a younger, up-and-coming bench boss. With that in mind, we'll explore six candidates who appear ready to become NHL head coaches for the first time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>David Carle</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782545/cropped_GettyImages-2209769635.jpg?ts=1745685989" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782545/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209769635.jpg?ts=1745685989 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782545/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209769635.jpg?ts=1745685989 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782545/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209769635.jpg?ts=1745685989 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782545/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209769635.jpg?ts=1745685989 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782545/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209769635.jpg?ts=1745685989 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Current position: Head coach, University of DenverCarle is the hottest name on this list. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3275240" href="https://thescore.com/news/3275240">reportedly</a> withdrew from Chicago's search, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee he's returning to the college ranks.It's easy to understand the interest in Carle. The 35-year-old led the Pioneers to two national championships in the last four years. He also guided Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship in 2024 and 2025. The winning pedigree is evident.If Carle decides to return to Denver for another season, he'd likely still be coveted by NHL teams a year from now, so he doesn't need to rush a move to the pros. He can be picky about the opportunities presented to him.<h3>Jay Pandolfo</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782936/cropped_GettyImages-2208756123.jpg?ts=1745857845" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782936/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208756123.jpg?ts=1745857845 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782936/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208756123.jpg?ts=1745857845 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782936/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208756123.jpg?ts=1745857845 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782936/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208756123.jpg?ts=1745857845 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782936/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208756123.jpg?ts=1745857845 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Current position: Head coach, Boston UniversityIt's unclear if Pandolfo even wants to coach in the NHL. It would be easy to understand if he preferred to stay in the NCAA due to the greater job security. But if he chooses to make the jump, there'd likely be no shortage of interest. He checks every box.Pandolfo was a valuable, defensive-minded forward during his 15-year playing career, winning a pair of Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils. He spent five years as an assistant coach with the Bruins under Claude Julien and Bruce Cassidy, helping Boston reach the 2019 Stanley Cup Final. Since Pandolfo took over, BU has reached the Frozen Four three straight years, most recently losing in this year's national title game in April.As a Massachusetts native, the Bruins' opening could be awfully tempting.<h3>Steve Ott</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782937/cropped_GettyImages-1246855933.jpg?ts=1745857932" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782937/w220xh124_GettyImages-1246855933.jpg?ts=1745857932 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782937/w320xh180_GettyImages-1246855933.jpg?ts=1745857932 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782937/w640xh360_GettyImages-1246855933.jpg?ts=1745857932 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782937/w768xh432_GettyImages-1246855933.jpg?ts=1745857932 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782937/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1246855933.jpg?ts=1745857932 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Current position: Associate coach, St. Louis BluesOtt has never been a head coach at any level, and he's only worked for one organization in his post-playing career, but something about him screams head coach material. Maybe it's because he was a heart-and-soul-type player during his 14 seasons.It also says a lot that Ott has managed to stick around the Blues' bench under four different head coaches: Mike Yeo, Craig Berube, Drew Bannister, and Jim Montgomery.Hiring Ott would require a leap of faith, but he has the potential to become a culture setter for a rebuilding team.<h3>Marc Savard</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782938/cropped_GettyImages-2183720275.jpg?ts=1745858018" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782938/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183720275.jpg?ts=1745858018 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782938/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183720275.jpg?ts=1745858018 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782938/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183720275.jpg?ts=1745858018 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782938/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183720275.jpg?ts=1745858018 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782938/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183720275.jpg?ts=1745858018 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin Sousa / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Current position: Assistant coach, Toronto Maple LeafsIt seems to be only a matter of time before Savard gets a head coaching job. A gifted playmaking center during his 13-year NHL career, his offensive creativity has carried over behind the bench. Savard, who's responsible for running Toronto's power play, was able to figure out a perennially underachieving unit. The Maple Leafs started slow with the man advantage but owned the NHL's second-best power play from February onward.Savard has only coached since 2019, but his resume is already impressive. The Blues owned the NHL's third-best power play while Savard spearheaded that unit in 2019-20. The Flames finished 26th with the man advantage under his guidance in 2023-24, though there admittedly wasn't much talent to work with.More importantly, Savard has head coaching experience. He led the OHL's Windsor Spitfires to the best record in the Western Conference in both of his seasons on the job (2021-23). They made it all the way to the OHL final in 2022.<h3>Mitch Love</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782939/cropped_GettyImages-2193886216.jpg?ts=1745858083" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782939/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193886216.jpg?ts=1745858083 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782939/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193886216.jpg?ts=1745858083 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782939/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193886216.jpg?ts=1745858083 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782939/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193886216.jpg?ts=1745858083 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782939/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193886216.jpg?ts=1745858083 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jess Rapfogel / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Current position: Assistant coach, Washington CapitalsLove isn't the sexiest name on this list, but he's arguably the most qualified. Before joining Spencer Carbery's staff in 2023, Love was the back-to-back AHL Coach of the Year with the Calgary Flames' affiliate. Prior to that, he put together a stellar 95-44-12-4 record over a three-year stretch as head coach of the WHL's Saskatoon Blades.The 40-year-old never made it to the NHL as a player, but he spent six years in the WHL and five in the AHL. The former enforcer would bring an element of toughness behind the bench to an NHL team.<h3>Olli Jokinen</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/100912/cropped_oj.jpg?ts=1745858292" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/100912/w220xh124_oj.jpg?ts=1745858292 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/100912/w320xh180_oj.jpg?ts=1745858292 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/100912/w640xh360_oj.jpg?ts=1745858292 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/100912/w768xh432_oj.jpg?ts=1745858292 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/100912/w1080xh607_oj.jpg?ts=1745858292 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> </figcaption></figure>Current position: Head coach, HIFK (Liiga)Jokinen is without question the biggest wild card on this list. The chances of him becoming an NHL head coach next season seem highly unlikely, but don't rule out the possibility down the road.The 17-year NHL veteran has coached overseas since 2021. He previously spent three years with Jukurit in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, and took over Timra IK in the SHL, Sweden's top league, a year ago. He's committed to return to Liiga in 2025-26 with HIFK - where he played two seasons before coming to the NHL.Jokinen went viral in January for giving a <a href="https://x.com/timra_ik/status/1877007430514520426">fiery, profanity-laced speech</a> to motivate his team. He said it would be "a dream" to coach in the NHL one day. However, that may prove difficult without prior North American coaching experience, and it seems unlikely he would back out of his new HIFK gig for an NHL assistant position or an AHL head coaching job.

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 04: Head coach David Carle of Team USA handles bench duties in the first period against Team Czechia of the semifinal match during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on January 4, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Team USA defeated Team Czechia 4-1 to secure a spot in the gold medal round.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs' core is under the microscope again, but head coach Craig Berube says it'...

The Toronto Maple Leafs' core is under the microscope again, but head coach Craig Berube says it's on the entire roster to come together and close out their Round 1 series against the Ottawa Senators."It's on everybody on the team," Berube told reporters Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1917612738076959181">TSN</a>. "I get it. That's all I hear around here is 'core, core, core. The Core Four.' But it's on everybody as a team. We're a team, and it's on the whole team, not just four guys."The Maple Leafs jumped out to a 3-0 series lead but have dropped the last two games. The team's top players failed to deliver in a chance to eliminate the Senators in Game 5 on Tuesday, and Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> said postgame that he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277767" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277767">believes</a> Ottawa has planted the seed of doubt in Toronto's minds. Teams with home-ice advantage that build 3-0 series leads are 150-3 all time in Stanley Cup Playoff history.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toronto owns the longest postseason streak in the league at nine seasons but only has one series victory to show for it thus far. The Maple Leafs are an astounding 1-13 in potential series-clinching games during that stretch. While hockey is indeed a team sport, the core group of players is undoubtedly the common denominator.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> comprise what's considered the Core Four. Matthews, Marner, and Nylander have been with the team for all nine seasons of the stretch, while Tavares has been around for seven.All four were held off the scoresheet during a shutout loss in Game 5. Matthews, Marner, and Nylander have combined for three goals in the series.Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> - often the forgotten member of the team's leadership group - is the club's longest-serving member, having been with the Maple Leafs since 2013-14."We have to stick together," Rielly said, according to <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1917612548477624509">Postmedia's Lance Hornby</a>. "We've been in this spot before. We have to understand we have the lead in this series, no reason to panic. (The media) has a job to do and it's about us doing ours."Berube is in his first season with the Maple Leafs and led the team to a division title."It gets to the point where there's a lot of past stuff I hear around here," Berube <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1917614217936384160">said</a>. "That's fine, that's part of it all. But the only pressure they have is to their own teammates, in my opinion."The Maple Leafs will once again attempt to exorcise some demons in Game 6 against the Senators on Thursday.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 29: Auston Matthews #34, Matthew Knies #23 and Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs interact between plays during the first period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at the Scotiabank Arena on April 29, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov and Colorado Avalanche teammates Nathan MacKinnon and ...

Tampa Bay Lightning winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> and Colorado Avalanche teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, the NHL announced Wednesday.The award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted on by NHLPA members. It was first handed out in 1971 and previously known as the Lester B. Pearson Award.Kucherov paced the league with 121 points this season, with MacKinnon right behind him at 116. Makar led all defenseman in goals (30), assists (62), and points (92) - the latter of which ranked ninth among all skaters. Makar, who's also up for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277273" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277273">Norris Trophy</a>, became the ninth defenseman in NHL history to score 30 goals this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>MacKinnon is the reigning winner, while Kucherov took it home in 2019. Makar would be the second defenseman to ever win the award, following Bobby Orr in 1975. Goaltender Carey Price was the last non-forward to win in 2015.MacKinnon and Makar are the first set of teammates to be finalists since the award was renamed in 2010.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 02: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with teammate Nathan MacKinnon #29 after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center on April 02, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday they signed winger Taylor Hall to a three-year extens...

The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday they signed winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> to a three-year extension carrying an average annual value of $3.17 million.Carolina acquired the 2018 Hart Trophy winner from the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the three-way megadeal in January that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6484" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6484">Martin Necas</a> to the Colorado Avalanche and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> to the Canes.While Rantanen proved to not be a fit in Carolina - he was eventually traded again to the Dallas Stars - the same can't be said for Hall. The 33-year-old has thrived in head coach Rod Brind'Amour's system, tallying nine goals and nine assists in 31 appearances down the stretch with the Hurricanes for an 82-game pace of 29 goals and 29 assists.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hall also added three points in five games during Carolina's Round 1 series victory over the New Jersey Devils."Taylor has proven to be an outstanding fit for our team, and we are thrilled that he is excited to make Raleigh his home for another three seasons," general manager Eric Tulsky said. "He's been a solid veteran presence in the locker room and a difference-maker on the ice."A No. 1 pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2010, Hall was named the league's MVP in 2017-18 when he carried the New Jersey Devils to the playoffs with 93 points in 76 games.Hall has also played for the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins. He's averaged 26 goals and 41 assists per 82 games across his 15-year career.While Hall may not be the player he once was, he's still able to use his speed as a weapon. He ranked in the 88th percentile among forwards with 162 speed bursts over 20 mph this season, per <a href="https://edge.nhl.com/en/skater/20242025-regular-8475791">NHL Edge</a>, despite being limited to 10 games last season due to an ACL injury that required surgery in November 2023.The Hurricanes project to have $32 million in cap space this offseason. Their biggest pending unrestricted free agents include forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5780" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5780">Jack Roslovic</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7639" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7639">Eric Robinson</a>, defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/607" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/607">Brent Burns</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1906" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1906">Dmitry Orlov</a>, and goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2583">Frederik Andersen</a>. The club has no notable pending restricted free agents.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 20: Taylor Hall #71 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck against the New Jersey Devils in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on April 20, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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The PWHL is heading to Seattle.  An expansion franchise in the Emerald City will begin play in th...

The PWHL is heading to Seattle.An expansion franchise in the Emerald City will begin play in the 2025-26 season, the league announced Wednesday.The team will play its home games at Climate Pledge Arena, the home of the NHL's Seattle Kraken. Its primary color will be emerald green and its secondary color will be cream. The club will be known as PWHL Seattle until a permanent team name is announced.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Seattle marks the PWHL's second expansion franchise in the Pacific Northwest. The league announced last week it was expanding to Vancouver."There is so much passion from women's and girls' hockey organizations in Seattle, and our players thrived on that energy during their Takeover Tour visit," PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said. "Women's teams from Seattle and Vancouver played against each other as early as 1921, and, given the proximity of our two newest cities - Vancouver is barely 140 miles away - I cannot wait for the first game in what I'm sure will be one of our fiercest rivalries."Vancouver and Seattle will mark the league's seventh and eighth franchises, joining teams in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, New York, and Minnesota.The PWHL plans to expand to 10 teams by the 2026-27 campaign, a source told <a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-hockey-pwhl-expansion-seattle-6e93a32a6c8419385a0a5342f0836b61">The Associated Press' John Wawrow</a>.Details regarding an expansion draft for Vancouver and Seattle, and how the new clubs will be incorporated into the 2025 draft June 24, will be revealed in the coming weeks.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 15: A general exterior view of at Climate Pledge Arena before the game between the Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights on October 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

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Rick Tocchet is not returning as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, the team confirmed Tuesday....

Rick Tocchet is not returning as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, the team confirmed Tuesday."After a very long and thorough process, unfortunately Rick has decided to leave the Vancouver Canucks," president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said. "This is very disappointing news, but we respect Rick's decision to move to a new chapter in his hockey career."We did everything in our power to keep him, but at the end of the day, Rick felt he needed a change. He is a good friend, a good coach, and we can't thank him enough for all he did for our organization. Toc is a stand-up guy, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rutherford told reporters last week he declined to exercise an option in Tocchet's contract but offered him a new, more lucrative deal to stay in Vancouver."We don't feel it's right to have somebody here that may have his mind somewhere else," Rutherford said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1914369507625243049">Sportsnet</a>. "I'd say that about anybody, this is not just about (Tocchet). ... We're hoping that he takes that contract and stays."Rutherford also said Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra will "certainly be on the short list" to replace Tocchet, according to <a href="https://x.com/harmandayal2/status/1917339635639882099">The Athletic's Harman Dayal</a>.The executive <a href="https://x.com/harmandayal2/status/1917340360914637284">added</a> that former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan doesn't want to leave the East.Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year in 2024, leading the team to a Pacific Division title with a 50-23-9 record.Things took a turn for the worse in 2024-25. In a season full of distractions and drama with the feud between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>, the Canucks missed the playoffs entirely with a 38-30-14 record."I'm choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks," Tocchet said. "Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time. While I don't know where I'm headed, or exactly how this will play out for me over the near term, I feel like this is the right time for me to explore other opportunities in and around hockey."The Canucks now have the league's eighth head coaching vacancy, joining the Flyers, Penguins, Bruins, Kraken, Blackhawks, Ducks, and Rangers.Tocchet played for three of those teams: the Flyers, Penguins, and Bruins. He won Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh as a player (1992) and as an assistant coach (2016, 2017).The 61-year-old also served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning for two seasons (2008-10) and Arizona Coyotes for four seasons (2017-21). He owns a career head coaching record of 286-265-87 for a .516 points percentage.The Canucks are searching for their sixth head coach since Alain Vigneault's successful seven-year run from 2006-13.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 16: Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet speaks to the media after their NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena on April 16, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada.

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