3 NHL head coach's that are already on the hot seat, and there is a surprise
3 head coach's in the NHL that are already on the hot seat 1 month into the 2024-25 season, and there is a surprise.
With the NHL season well underway, fans are starting to wonder which coach might be the first to lose their job. While there's no clear-cut candidate, a few coaches are feeling extra pressure after rough starts. Here's a look at three who might be on the chopping block.
1. Derek Lalonde - Detroit Red Wings
Derek Lalonde took over the Red Wings with high hopes from GM Steve Yzerman, who admired his work as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yzerman's familiarity with Lalonde's background in Tampa was a big reason behind the hire, but so far, the Red Wings haven't delivered. They've missed the playoffs in both of Lalonde's seasons, and they're currently sitting at a mediocre 4-4-1 after losses to the Oilers and Sabres. With fans growing frustrated, it's unclear if Yzerman will stick with Lalonde or look to make a midseason change.
2. Mike Sullivan - Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins are struggling, currently on a five-game losing streak, including a 4-0 loss to the Oilers and a blown 2-0 lead to the Jets. They also have one of the worst goal differentials in the league, only ahead of the San Jose Sharks. Sullivan's situation is unique because he wasn't hired by current GM Kyle Dubas, who joined after Sullivan's contract extension. Dubas has faced his own scrutiny over recent moves, and if the team's issues continue, he may choose to bring in his own head coach.
3. John Tortorella - Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers are last in the Metropolitan Division with a 2-6-1 record, falling far short of last season's surprise success. Tortorella has noticed the team's slower play and lack of speed, especially in transition, which he believes is holding them back. Whether management will stick with Tortorella or move on if things don't improve is still up in the air.
Jim Montgomery is in a similar situation where the Boston Bruins rank almost last in all 5v5 stats, and have a 4-4-1 record to begin the season as well, there have been talks that he may be on the hot seat, which makes it surprising to not see him on this list.
| POLL | ||
Who do you think is more than likely to be fired out of these NHL head coach's? | ||
| Derek Lalonde | 10 | 18.9 % |
| Mike Sullivan | 21 | 39.6 % |
| John Tortorella | 22 | 41.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
