The NHL has seen a significant number of coaching changes this season, with ten teams firing their coaches, including Dave Hakstol of the Seattle Kraken. Notably, Todd McLellan, Lindy Ruff, Don Granato, Dave Hakstol, Jay Woodcroft, Dean Evason, Craig Berube, D.J. Smith, Lane Lambert, and David Quinn were all dismissed before their contract extensions were set to begin. Ron Francis, the general manager, confirmed Hakstol's firing occurred on Sunday morning. This brings the total to 17 coaching changes since the end of the last season, highlighting a trend of instability in coaching positions across the league.
It's never black and white when evaluating coaches, but there is ample evidence to suggest that the Kraken's Dave Hakstol didn't meet the job requirements, writes at @Matt_Calkins: https://t.co/nL0haxVujO
Ten NHL teams have fired coaches this season. Jay Woodcroft (Edmonton), Dean Evason (Minnesota), Craig Berube (St. Louis), D.J. Smith (Ottawa), Lane Lambert (NYI), Todd McLellan (LA), Lindy Ruff (New Jersey), Don Granato (Buffalo), David Quinn (San Jose), Dave Hakstol (Seattle)
With Dave Hakstol’s dismissal, that’s now 17 #NHL coaching changes since end of last season. Then there’s Jon Cooper, the longest tenured + “a lesson in patience.” ICYMI behind the scenes of his decade-plus w/#tblightning, including telling first speech https://t.co/epHo3nyPBC
Ron Francis said decision was made to let go of Hakstol on Sunday morning.
Despite rebranding myself as the Retread Coach Defender™ I never really got the Dave Hakstol hiring and I’m not sure what his teams do well (besides the year Seattle shot like 40%). Still, lots of serious openings now and lots of good coaches available
Todd McLellan, Lindy Ruff, Don Granato and now Dave Hakstol have all been fired this season before their contract extensions were due to kick in.
Another coaching vacancy in the NHL. https://t.co/5ErKKKsiwG