1) A popular annual post we do here at Fauxrumors is our annual 'Who will Get the Axe First. With the season underway the inevitable discussions will commence as to what coaches are on the proverbial 'hot seat'. With that in mind we'll go through the 30 current coaches and discuss who is pretty secure (as NHL coaches go), who is teetering on the brink, and the rest in between.
2) If this season is anything typical, about 25-30% of the current head coaches will no longer have their jobs by this time next season. Like in previous years, we'll simply go alphabetically in the East then in the West: To simplify/quantify this we will use a scale 0-10. Zero-being very safe, and 10-being close to out the door. At this stage there are no 10's (yet)
East
Claude Julien (Boston Bruins)- (1) The reigning Eastern Confrence champs/ Stanley Cup runner-up coach, Claude is still quite safe Barring an incredible collapse he should have little trouble finishing out the season as the B's bench boss
Ron Rolston (Buffalo Sabres) (5) Entering his 1st season behind the Sabres bench, he is in a very bad spot as a rookie head coach. The team will likely be a bottom feeder. The GM who hired him (Regier) is also on the hot seat, so he easily could be one and done(if he lasts that long!
Kirk Muller (Carolina Hurricanes) (3) Entering his 4th NHL season, Kirk should be safe if the teams stays in the playoff hunt. If its south, and players like Semin play uninspired then Kirk might not make it through the season before Rutherford cans him.
Todd Richards (Columbus Blue Jackets) (3) After their near miss in making the playoffs last spring and a new look management team expectations in Columbus are to see that improvement to contunue. If for some reason they struggle and take a step backwards Todd might be the scapegoat
Mike Babcock (Detroit Red Wing) (2) Entering his 10th season guiding the Motor city sextet, Mike is one of the best in the business. However the team's old guard now retired/getting old, the lineup is in flux so a playoff spot not a guarentee for the first time in memory. Still, unless they fall into the bottom escelan Mike's job should be safe
Kevin Dineen (Florida Panthers) (5) The highly successful AHL coach enters his3rd season the NHL. Now that the management has spent a few bucks they want results If they get off to (another) slow start Dineen might be watching games on TV
Michel Therrien (Montreal Canadians) (4) Seldomly are Habs' coaches less than a 4 as they play in the hockey pressure cooker known as Quebec. They always expect to make the playoffs, but few are expecting a Presidents trophy so as long as they hang around the top 6- 8 or so, Michel should be safe. Besides he can speak French!
Peter DeBoer (NJ Devils) (6) As we remind folks these are the Lamarello Devils where no coach is safe no matter the record it seems. DeBoer is a good coach who may be entering his 4th season with the team. If the Devils don't stay in the top 8 and appear destined for a bottom finish, which in our opinion is entirely possible, Peter won't see April
Jack Capuano (NY Islanders) (3) There are some expectations now, especially with last springs excitement, but realistically they still are lacking in many areas. However as long as the team competes hard and doesn't embarrass themselves early on with a long losing streak, Jack should be OK.
Alain Vigneault (NY Rangers) (3) Usually Ranger coaches had been always in jeopardy of losing their jobs, but after the Torts-Alain 'trade' the coach will be given some limited latitude to put in his own system with his new team. So as long as the BlueShirts stay in the top 8 Alain should be safe.
Paul MacLean (Ottawa Senators) (3)Now in his 4th season as head coach who theoretically should have little to worry about, but playing North of the border you are always under the microscope. We believe he should be OK
Peter Laviolette (Philadelphia Flyers) (7) Very, high expectations along with what we think are the players getting increasingly tired of Peter. Laviolette's caustic personality might mean Peter's job could be tenuous. If the preseason is any indicator, it might be sooner rather than later
Dan Bylsma (Pittsburgh Penguins) (3) Not long ago was one of the safest coaches in the East. The former Jack Adams winner runs a tight, loyal and successful team. Liked equally by the stars and grunts. Not an easy task! However, with recent playoff disappointments, a prolonged losing skid could make dan vulnerable for the first time in years.
Jon Cooper (TB Lightning) (2) The only situation we can see that would make new coach Cooper vulnerable is if the Bolts get off to a aweful start. Unlikely, since we believe they will be quite better than last season. Jon should make it through the season unscathed.
Randy Carlyle (Toronto Maple Leafs) (5) Unlike all Canadian cities, where hockey coaches are under intense scrutiny, the pressure in TO is exponentially higher. With last springs surprise surge there will be expectations. If not met, the former Norris Trophy and Cup winner in Anaheim might again be looking for work
Adam Oates (Washington Capitals) (3) Even in town-mediocrity, they expect a winning season every now and then. If the team stays relevent, and with their talent they should stay in the race Otes job will be secure for the regular season anyway
West
Bruce Boudreau (Anaheim Duck) (2) The team had a rebirth since Gabby came on board 3 years ago. Despite playoff failure we can't see the team letting him go unless they struggle mightily early on, and with that lineup, that seems unlikely
Bob Hartley (Calgary Flame) (3) Few realistcally expect the Flames to compete in the tough Western Conference for a playoff spot so while the Flames might finish 12 or less in the west, Bob's job probably would be safe for the season
Joel Quenneville (Chicago Blackhawk) (0) The two time and reigning Cup champ coach entering his 18th season in the league has one of the safest positions. With his league wide respect and recent success it would an off ice issue to have him lose his job
Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche) (2) St. Patrick should be safe as he will have at least some measure of a Honeymoon in The Mile High City. If the younsters buy into his system, the Av's might see a resurgence of success
Lindy Ruff (Dallas Star) (2) After a near life time in the Buffalo organization. Lindy moves west to Dallas. Difficult team to get a read on. In some ways they are as good as any of the other playoff bubble teams, so unless they fall off the map, Lindy should be safe
Dallas Eakins (Edmonton Oiler) (4) Brought in to give solid no nonsense guidence to the 'kids' It may be exciting to the fans but management wants to see the team show signs of improvement. Howevera bottom overall finish won't sit well. Dallas better hope the kids start to mature
Darryl Sutter (Los Angeles King) (1)The man behind the bench for the past 4 seasons accruing a good 52- 29 record, and ofcourse a Stanley Cup. After a Final 4 appearence last spring and a loaded lineup returning, we fully expect Sutter to keep his job all season
Mike Yeo (Minnesota Wild) (4) Clearly the honeymoon period in Minny for Mike is over. The Wild have added expensive talent and the fans up north are as rabid as the come south of the border and another near miss and especially a bad start could be the end of yeo's tenure in the Twin Cities
Barry Trotz (Nashville Predator) (4) The only coach the franchise has ever known. Despite low playoff success he still manages to get his team to the post season despite a cap floor payroll and an anemic offense. The organization will probably only consider a change if they appear to be taking a huge step back.
Dave Tippett (Phoenix Coyote)
(3) Now into his 6th season in the desert
we believe the combination of his success coupled with therecent franchise ownership turmoil will make Dave';s job safe through
the season, barring a complete flop.
Ken Hitchcock (St. Louis Blues)
(2) Unlike the past 2 years the pressure will be elevated this season.
Fans are getting restless as the team seems ready to finally contend for a Cup.
Injuries have hurt but management and fans alike expect nothing less than a trip to the conference finals. Anything less and Cpt Kangaroo might be gonzo
Todd McClellan (San Jose Shark) (2) With a record of 220 108 the past 8 seasons, few coaches can boast such a winning % However post season success continues to allude the club. Highly unlikely that Todd is replaced as coach during the regular season, but. WE can see the team losing patience if they lose in the first round
John Tortorella (Vancouver Canuck) (1) The former Cup/Adams winner (swapped with the Rangers coach) will probably survive almost any calamity that is thrust upon him this season. Unless The Twins' ask him to be fired(not gonna happen) his job is safe for the season!
Todd McClellan (San Jose Shark) (2) With a record of 220 108 the past 8 seasons, few coaches can boast such a winning % However post season success continues to allude the club. Highly unlikely that Todd is replaced as coach during the regular season, but. WE can see the team losing patience if they lose in the first round
John Tortorella (Vancouver Canuck) (1) The former Cup/Adams winner (swapped with the Rangers coach) will probably survive almost any calamity that is thrust upon him this season. Unless The Twins' ask him to be fired(not gonna happen) his job is safe for the season!
.Claude Noel (Winnipeg Jets) (6) He is no longer a rookie head coach in the city's first season back with hockey. The honeymoon is over. If the team slides deeply out of contention and doesn't compete hard nightly Claude might be outed early.
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