![\"Pete](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Pete-DeBoer-Stars-3-1200x800.jpg\")
Apr 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer looks on during the first period against the Utah Hockey Club at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\nAs the NHL season winds down, the coaching carousel has begun. Several teams are underperforming, while others are already preparing for a change behind the bench. Sheldon Keefe, Craig Berube, and Kris Knoblauch are feeling the pressure, while the Vegas Golden Knights, Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings are already in transition with interim head coaches. <\/p>\n
At the same time, a strong pool of experienced and up-and-coming coaches is emerging. Whether teams are looking for a proven winner or a fresh voice, this offseason could see major movement across the league. Here\u2019s a look at five of the top available NHL coaches and where they could land.<\/p>\n
Pete DeBoer \u2013 Los Angeles Kings<\/p>\n
Pete DeBoer remains one of the most respected veteran coaches in the NHL. Known for his ability to quickly turn teams into contenders, DeBoer has a track record of playoff success, including multiple Stanley Cup Final appearances.<\/p>\n
Apr 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer looks on during the first period against the Utah Hockey Club at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Kings<\/a> could be a prime landing spot for DeBoer if they decide not to extend interim head coach DJ Smith. Despite having a structured roster and strong defensive identity, the Kings have struggled to take that next step. If they fall short again this postseason, management might look for a coach who can push them over the top.<\/p>\n Related: NHL Rumors: McMann Extension, Rielly Trade, and Why Fire Cassidy?<\/a><\/p>\n DeBoer\u2019s experience with veteran-heavy rosters and his ability to implement effective systems would align well with Los Angeles\u2019 current core. With players like Artemi Panarin<\/a> and Drew Doughty<\/a> leading the way, the Kings are in a win-now mode \u2014 and DeBoer fits that timeline perfectly.<\/p>\n Bruce Cassidy \u2013 Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n Bruce Cassidy is an elite coach who won\u2019t be out of work for long. His ability to implement a disciplined, defensively responsible system while still generating offense makes him highly attractive to contending teams.<\/p>\n The Edmonton Oilers could be a strong fit<\/a> for Cassidy if their season ends in disappointment. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime, the Oilers cannot afford to fall short again, and an early playoff exit would put pressure on Knoblauch.<\/p>\n Cassidy would bring structure to a team that has often relied heavily on offense to outscore its problems. His systems could help stabilize Edmonton defensively while still allowing their star players to thrive offensively. For a team chasing a Stanley Cup, Cassidy represents a coach who can deliver both accountability and results.<\/p>\n Jay Woodcroft \u2013 New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n Jay Woodcroft is currently serving as an assistant with the Anaheim Ducks, but has already shown he can succeed as a head coach from his time with the Oilers. The New Jersey Devils are at a crossroads. Keefe is firmly in the hot seat after inconsistent results, and the team\u2019s young core \u2014 led by Jack Hughes \u2014 needs direction and stability.<\/p>\n Woodcroft\u2019s strength lies in player development and communication, which makes him an ideal fit for a team like New Jersey. He understands how to maximize skill players while maintaining structure, something the Devils have struggled with. If the Devils decide to move on from Keefe, Woodcroft would be a natural replacement who aligns with the team\u2019s long-term vision.<\/p>\n Gerard Gallant \u2013 Vegas Golden Knights or Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n Gerard Gallant\u2019s name continues to surface whenever coaching vacancies arise. Currently coaching the Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League, Gallant brings a reputation for quickly turning teams around and creating immediate buy-in from players.<\/p>\n Gallant\u2019s no-nonsense approach works well with veteran teams but has also been successful with expansion and rebuilding rosters. His previous stint with Vegas \u2014 where he led them to a Stanley Cup Final \u2014 still resonates.<\/p>\n A reunion with the Golden Knights wouldn\u2019t be surprising if the John Tortorella experiment fails, especially if they\u2019re looking to stabilize the organization quickly. On the other hand, the Columbus Blue Jackets \u2014 if Rick Bowness decides not to return \u2014 could see Gallant as a culture-setting hire, someone who can instill accountability and structure in a young locker room.<\/p>\n David Carle \u2013 Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n If teams are looking to move away from recycled coaching hires, David Carle is the best candidate available. The University of Denver head coach has already won two NCAA championships and is widely regarded as one of the best<\/a> young coaching minds in hockey.<\/p>\n The Toronto Maple Leafs could be the perfect landing spot. Toronto has talent, but questions around identity, consistency, and playoff performance continue to linger. Craig Berube, despite his pedigree, may not be around much longer as the Maple Leafs are poised to miss the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.<\/p>\n Carle would represent a shift in philosophy. He emphasizes structure, accountability, and modern systems while also connecting with younger players. His success at the collegiate level suggests he knows how to build a culture \u2014 something Toronto has struggled to define. While hiring a college coach comes with risk, the potential reward could be exactly what the Maple Leafs need to finally break through.<\/p>\n NHL Coaching Carousel Will Define the Offseason<\/p>\n This offseason has the potential to significantly reshape the NHL coaching landscape. Teams like the Devils, Maple Leafs, and Oilers are all facing critical decisions that could define their competitive window. At the same time, organizations like the Golden Knights and Blue Jackets are searching for stability after recent changes behind the bench.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s proven winners like DeBoer and Cassidy or emerging names like Carle, teams will need to decide what direction they want to take \u2014 experience or innovation. One thing is certain: with expectations rising across the league, patience is running thin. The right coaching hire could be the difference between another disappointing season and a legitimate Stanley Cup run. And this summer, there will be no shortage of options.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"David](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/David-Carle-Denver-University-1200x794.jpg\")
David Carle, Denver University (Photo by Richard T Gagnon\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Substack](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/THW_Substack_Banner4-e1693132124550-1200x148.jpg\")
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