While eight teams continue to battle for the Stanley Cup, six other squads are trying to finalize their head-coaching roles for next season.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek discussed the coaching searches on Wednesday’s 32 Thoughts Podcast.
Winnipeg Jets
Although assistant coach Scott Arniel was pegged as a top candidate quickly after Rick Bowness retired, several other names are now being mentioned as possibilities.
Friedman said former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube has done a Zoom interview with Winnipeg, and ex-Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason also is believed to have interviewed.
Friedman also pointed out that AHL Hershey coach Todd Nelson has ties to Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff from their days with AHL Chicago, and could be a contender.
“Somebody just said to me, do not count out at least them talking to Todd Nelson,” Friedman said.
Hershey, a Washington Capitals affiliate, finished with the top record in the AHL this season. Nelson has 46 games of NHL head-coaching experience with the Edmonton Oilers, after he replaced Dallas Eakins in 2014-15.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Berube continues to be the front-runner after the team fired Sheldon Keefe.
“To me, he’s the guy, but nothing is done until it’s done,” Friedman said. “The one thing about (general manager) Brad Treliving is, even if everyone thinks it’s obvious or people are speculating it’s obvious, he wants to at least slow down the process a bit. He doesn’t want to rush into anything.”
New Jersey Devils
The Devils’ search has gone all over the map.
“There was a time I thought Berube was the lead candidate. There was a time I thought (former Oilers coach Jay) Woodcroft was the lead candidate. I know they’ve showed interest in (former Los Angeles Kings coach) Todd McLellan and there was also a time I thought Keefe was the lead candidate,” Friedman said.
Keefe will be paid by the Leafs for two more years after signing an extension last off-season, so he certainly has the option to sit back.
“What people are asking is, ‘Does he really want to coach right now?’ and I think we’re still kind of waiting on that answer,” Friedman said.
Los Angeles Kings
Jim Hiller finished the year as interim coach and guided the team to the playoffs after the Kings fired McLellan.
Hiller is a candidate for the full-time role.
Friedman also is wondering if Marco Sturm, coach of L.A.’s AHL affiliate in Ontario, will be a possibility.
“It’s getting to the point where I think the Kings are going to have to make a decision on Sturm,” Friedman said. “Is he going to proceed in their organization or is he going to have to (go) somewhere else?”
Like Nelson, Sturm still is coaching in the AHL playoffs.
Seattle Kraken
Friedman said three names are dominating the conversation: McLellan, Kraken assistant Jay Leach and Dan Bylsma, the former Penguins coach who coaches Seattle’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley.
“At different times, I think people have argued for different people,” Friedman said.
San Jose Sharks
Sturm, a former San Jose player, and Sharks assistant Ryan Worsofsky are believed to be in the running.
Friedman said another name he is hearing is Tampa Bay Lightning assistant and former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill.
Blue Jackets’ GM search
Kings senior adviser to the GM Marc Bergevin and Kraken assistant GM Jason Botterill are believed to have talked to Columbus, but it doesn’t appear that a decision is imminent.
“I am under the impression that they are still waiting to talk to people (still involved in the playoffs),” Friedman said. “What’s going to happen in Edmonton after the season? I think that’s one of the situations that could have an effect on Columbus.”
Oilers GM Ken Holland is in the final year of his five-year contract.
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