As demonstrated throughout the previous season, no NHL coach’s position remains secure throughout the year. The Vegas Golden Knights made a mid-March change, replacing Bruce Cassidy with John Tortorella, while the New York Islanders parted ways with Patrick Roy in early April, appointing Peter DeBoer as his successor. A sustained skid or falling out of playoff contention can cost a coach their job at any point.
1. Bruce Cassidy
Meanwhile, it may seem unjust that the Golden Knights have blocked other teams from reaching out to Bruce Cassidy. However, the longer the Golden Knights resist allowing Cassidy to return to the open market, the more it damages their reputation. Given how frequently NHL teams shuffle their coaching staffs, chances remain strong that Cassidy will soon coach again. Whether he joins a club firmly positioned as a Stanley Cup contender or one eager to bridge the gap toward sustained playoff competitiveness remains uncertain.
2. John Tortorella
Just as Cassidy lingers on the radar of many organizations, so does his replacement in Vegas, John Tortorella, whose contract was not renewed after guiding the Golden Knights within two games of their second title in franchise history. While Tortorella’s confrontational personality may have grown less appealing, his proven track record—including a championship—continues to attract interest from clubs seeking instant credibility. At 68, age is undeniably a factor, yet as long as opportunities emerge and even one team believes Tortorella can spark a turnaround, he’ll remain in the mix.
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3. Craig Berube
Among coaches with Stanley Cup rings, Craig Berube exited the Toronto Maple Leafs situation gracefully following what became a disastrous campaign. While the organization offered him some form of future assurance, Berube recognizes that only 32 permanent NHL coaching roles exist—and flexibility matters. Despite conducting himself professionally under intense scrutiny in Toronto’s spotlight, tangible outcomes didn’t align with expectations. It may require time for Berube to demonstrate that his lone season with the Leafs was an outlier rather than reflective of his proven success during his St. Louis Blues tenure.
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4. Misha Donskov
With experience as an assistant for both the Dallas Stars and Golden Knights, Misha Donskov brings a wealth of NHL knowledge and even a championship ring with Vegas. Though not yet widely recognized, the 49-year-old is steadily building his profile. Recently named GM and head coach of Team Canada’s men’s national squad, Donskov also contributed to the 2026 Winter Olympics under Jon Cooper and now serves as a consultant for various Hockey Canada programs. His leadership at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, coupled with upcoming duties at the 2027 World Juniors and World Championships, reinforces his growing reputation. Few rising coaches command such extensive international exposure—and after joining the Edmonton Oilers as a coaching consultant, speculation grows that he could step in if Mike Babcock’s initiative falters.
