NHL Coaching Carousel: Kraken's Dave Hakstol Axed, Who's Next?

Author:

Olivia Phillips

|Published: April 30th, 2024

On Monday, the Seattle Kraken shocked the hockey world by firing head coach Dave Hakstol, making him the 10th casualty of the tumultuous 2023-24 NHL season.

The timing, weeks after the regular season's conclusion, added to the surprise.

General manager Ron Francis wasted no time in announcing the search for Hakstol's replacement.

However, the Kraken aren't alone in their quest for a new bench boss.

The St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils, and Los Angeles Kings are also in the market for new leadership.

As the playoffs unfold, more teams could join this list.

There are a significant number of coaching vacancies with at least six open spots and the potential for more as the Stanley Cup Playoffs progress.

He posed an intriguing question: Could any team try to gain an early advantage by securing a coach before additional vacancies arise?

Seravalli responded by highlighting two potential openings: Jon Cooper in Tampa and the uncertain status of Mike Sullivan in Pittsburgh.

Rumours suggest a power struggle between Sullivan and Kyle Dubas, Toronto's general manager, regarding coaching staff adjustments.

This internal conflict could lead to Sullivan's departure.

With up to 10 coaching vacancies possible, Seravalli emphasized the wealth of quality candidates available.

Coaches like Craig Berube, Todd McLellan, Jay Woodcroft, and even David Carle from Colorado are on the radar of teams seeking new leadership.

As the NHL coaching carousel gains momentum, teams face tough decisions in selecting the right candidate to guide their franchise forward into the new season.