NHL Rumors: 4 Coaches Likely on the Chopping Block After Season Ends

We've already seen a number of coaching changes this season in the NHL, but as is usually the case, once the season has run its course, there will be several more bench bosses hitting the unemployment line.

With the help of Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, let's look at a list of four coaches who are likely on the chopping block once the season ends, from longest-tenured in their current positions to the shortest:

Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins

Finishing up his 10th season behind the Penguins bench, Sullivan got off to a tremendous start in the job, leading Sidney Crosby & Co, to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in his first two seasons. He's managed to win just one playoff series since that Cup run, and hasn't been able to guide the team to a postseason berth for three straight seasons (including the inevitable result this year, which could mark his first time under the .500 mark in Pittsburgh). It just could be time for a change.

Andrew Brunette, Nashville Predators

Brunette guided the Preds to a 47-30-5 mark for 99 points in his first year on the job in Nashville in 2023-24, but the team's follow-up performance this season has been a huge disappointment, particularly after they stocked up on some big names in free agency last summer. "It’s certainly not solely Brunette’s fault that Nashville is where they are in the standings," notes Proteau. "However, the Predators may opt for a new voice behind the bench".

Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres

When it comes to tenure with a team, this one's a little tricky. This is Ruff's first year back in Buffalo, but he did serve 15 seasons behind the bench there from 1997 through 2012. But despite some apparent talent on the roster and the long-term contracts, it was another discouraging year for the Sabres, who will now miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season. "Buffalo has to chart a different course as soon as possible, and that’s why we believe Ruff will be sent packing in favor of a younger coach with a different vision," writes Proteau.

Joe Sacco, Boston Bruins

Sacco hasn't even completed a single season behind the Bruins bench, having taken over from the deposed Jim Montgomery back in November. Proteau speculates that Sullivan, if he is indeed let go by Pittsburgh, would be the ideal solution for Boston.