Who's Next? Coaching Vacancy Speculation: Pittsburgh, Boston, Seattle

David

3 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

4.2

Share

Who's Next? Coaching Carousel Spins: Pittsburgh, Boston, Seattle Speculation Heats Up

The NHL coaching carousel is spinning, and three prominent teams – the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Seattle Kraken – find themselves at the center of intense speculation. With the regular season concluded and playoff hopes dashed for some, the pressure is on to find the right leader to steer these franchises towards future success. Let's dive into the latest rumors and potential candidates for each open (or potentially open) position.

Pittsburgh Penguins: A New Era Dawns?

The Pittsburgh Penguins' era of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is undeniably coming to a close. While the future is bright with young talent, the team's performance this season fell short of expectations. This has led to widespread speculation surrounding the future of head coach Mike Sullivan. While no official announcement has been made, the air is thick with uncertainty. Several names are being floated around as potential replacements, including:

• Experienced NHL Coaches: Names like Barry Trotz (currently unemployed) and Bruce Cassidy (recently let go by the Vegas Golden Knights) possess the pedigree and experience to handle the pressure of coaching a team with such a rich history and high expectations. Their ability to mentor young players and establish a strong defensive system would be invaluable to Pittsburgh.

• Up-and-Coming Coaches: The Penguins might also opt for a younger, more innovative coach. This approach could inject fresh energy and new strategies into the team's system. Several AHL coaches are consistently mentioned in these discussions, though their names haven't been publicly linked to the Penguins specifically.

Boston Bruins: A Rebuild or a Retool?

The Boston Bruins experienced an incredibly successful regular season, only to see their playoff run end abruptly. While Jim Montgomery's coaching performance was largely praised, the team's core is aging, prompting questions about the franchise's direction. Could a coaching change signal a significant rebuild or a retooling of the roster? The situation remains fluid, but potential scenarios include:

• Montgomery's Return: The most likely outcome is that Montgomery returns. His success this season is undeniable, and a change would be a significant surprise. However, the front office might evaluate whether his style aligns with the team’s long-term goals.

• A Shift in Philosophy: If the Bruins decide on a significant roster overhaul, they might seek a coach who can better adapt to a younger, faster style of play.

Seattle Kraken: Building on Year Two

The Seattle Kraken's second season saw some improvement, but the team still faces significant challenges in establishing itself as a playoff contender. While Dave Hakstol remains the head coach, his position isn't entirely secure, given the pressure to show consistent progress. Potential scenarios include:

• Hakstol Remains: The Kraken might decide to give Hakstol another year, providing him with more time to implement his system and develop the team's young talent.

• A Change for Direction: However, if the Kraken’s management feels a change is necessary, they might explore candidates with a proven track record of building winning cultures and developing young players. The search for a new coach could then be more extensive.

The Coaching Carousel's Impact:

The decisions made by these three teams will significantly impact the upcoming NHL season. The coaching changes, or lack thereof, will influence player development, roster construction, and overall team performance. Keep an eye on the news for official announcements and updates as the offseason progresses. This is shaping up to be a pivotal summer for these franchises. Check back for further updates and analysis as the situation unfolds.

Call to Action: What are your predictions for these coaching vacancies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!