NHL Head Coaches on the Hot Seat in 2024

NHL coaching changes are coming fast and furious this season, with four teams already switching leaders behind the bench. The Detroit Red Wings just fired Derek LaLonde for Todd McLellan, following moves by Boston, St. Louis, and Chicago.

And we’re probably not done yet.

Let’s look at who might be next to go:

Peter Laviolette’s seat is getting warm in New York, which might surprise some folks. After all, he’s only in year two with the Rangers, and they were the NHL’s best team last season.

But things aren’t going well. The Rangers have tried everything – floating trade rumors, trading their captain Jacob Trouba, even benching veteran Chris Kreider. Nothing’s working.

The team’s struggling to even stay in playoff position, which is pretty shocking for a group that had Stanley Cup dreams in October.

Andrew Brunette in Nashville might be in trouble too. The Predators went all-in last summer, signing big names like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. But instead of competing for a Cup, they’re near the bottom of the standings.

Here’s an interesting twist – could GM Barry Trotz, who was Nashville’s first-ever head coach, decide to step back behind the bench?

In New York, Patrick Roy might want to watch his back with the Islanders. His boss, Lou Lamoriello, is famous for two things: building the Devils’ dynasty and firing coaches. Lots of coaches.

Roy’s been pretty vocal about his roster’s limitations, which probably isn’t sitting well with management.

Montreal’s Martin St. Louis shows just how quickly things change in the NHL – he’s somehow the fifth-longest tenured coach despite only getting hired in 2022.

The Canadiens are really struggling under his watch. They’re 14-17-3 this season, and St. Louis’s overall record is a tough 75-100-26. While it’s not all his fault – they’re rebuilding after all – the lack of progress with young players is concerning.

Unless things turn around soon in Montreal, St. Louis might join this season’s growing list of ex-NHL coaches.