Nothing is going well in Arizona where the Coyotes suffered defeat in their last 12 games (0-10-2). Nevertheless, André Tourigny seems well in the saddle. At the start of the season, Bill Armstrong signed him to a three-year contract extension.
A bit like Martin St-Louis, the friendly coach inherited a team in full development. We want to give it time to make it progress. However, not all coaches will benefit from the same latitude. Seven weeks before the end of the calendar, some find themselves on a tightrope.
Don Granato – Buffalo
“Archive photo, Martin Chevalier”
After 12 seasons without participating, we dreamed of the playoffs in Buffalo. With 24 games remaining in the campaign, the Sabers are struggling to maintain a .500 record. His contract extension, signed in October 2022, will not begin until next year. But at $1.9 million for each of the next two years, an owner with deep pockets won’t hesitate to show him the way out.
Sheldon Keefe – Toronto
“Archive photo, AFP”
The Leafs saved their coach’s job by finally managing to win a playoff round. Keefe signed a new two-year contract last summer, but he still hasn’t left the inn. With all the assets he has in his training, he will have to take them a little further to prove that he is still the man for the job.
Pascal Vincent – Columbus
“Archive photo, Martin Chevalier”
He was called upon to take over from Mike Babcock after the thorny episode of cell phones. A fully deserved opportunity for the Quebecer who has been working his way through the NHL and the American League since 2011. What works against him is that Jarmo Kekalainen, his main ally in Columbus, was relieved of his duties as general manager on February 15. Will he be the next CEO’s right-hand man? At least he’s under contract until next season.
Lindy Ruff – New Jersey
“Archive photo, AFP”
When a coach criticizes journalists for putting excessive pressure on his players, it may be because he is running out of solutions. After finishing third in the Eastern Conference, the Devils risk missing the playoffs. In Ruff’s defense, we must recognize that the situation in front of the Devils net is difficult. The Devils also suffered several injuries to key players. The contract extension he signed at the start of the season works in his favor.
Mike Sullivan – Pittsburgh
“Archive photo, Martin Chevalier”
The Penguins are in danger of missing the playoffs for a second straight spring. Discontent is beginning to be felt in the City of Steel. The problem is that Sullivan signed a three-year contract extension in August 2022. An agreement which will be effective starting next fall. The $5.5 million he will receive annually may offer him some reprieve.
Jacques Martin – Ottawa
“Archive photo, AFP”
The venerable coach’s situation is not the same as his colleagues named on this list. From the moment the 71-year-old replaced DJ Smith, it was clear that he would only be there to provide a transition before hiring an actual successor. Some observers wonder if he is not there waiting for Daniel Alfredsson to be ready to take the reins of the team.
So far this season, six head coaches have lost their jobs:
- Jay Woodcroft – Edmonton
- Dean Evason – Minnesota
- Craig Berube – St-Louis
- DJ Smith – Ottawa
- Lane Lambert – NY Islanders
- Todd McLellan – Los Angeles