With the Dallas Stars finalizing a deal with Glen Gulutzan on July 1 to become their new head coach, all 32 teams have their man behind the bench for the 2025-26 season.
Overall, nine teams hired new head coaches, but these four have the best chance of success this season:
Adam Foote, Vancouver Canucks
In his first NHL head-coaching job, Foote — who played in the league for 20 seasons — gets a team that endured plenty of disfunction last season.
The good news for Foote is that his roster includes former Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes, former Vezina finalist Thatcher Demko and No. 1 center Elias Pettersson. Vancouver also re-signed winger Brock Boeser to a long-term deal. However, their center depth may be lacking a bit after its trade of J.T. Miller and the injury histories of Demko and Boeser.
Vancouver will face an uphill climb in a tough Pacific Division that includes powers Edmonton, Vegas and Los Angeles. Foote must get the best out of his stars to get Vancouver back into the postseason. The Canucks have made the postseason only twice over the past 10 seasons.
Rick Tocchet, Philadelphia Flyers
The former Jack Adams Award winner (NHL Coach of Year) was fired by the Vancouver Canucks after a disappointing season and subsequently scooped up by the Flyers, who had fired John Tortorella. Tocchet brings a similar gritty, heavy forechecking approach as Tortorella that seems to fit for the Flyers.
Philadelphia features solid, young talent, including budding superstar forward Matvei Michkov and newly acquired winger Trevor Zegras.
