Several NHL head coaches find themselves under immense pressure as the 2025-26 season approaches. The expectations are high, and the margin for error is thin in a league where patience wears quickly. Here are some coaches who will be feeling the heat this year:
Andrew Brunette (Nashville Predators): Brunette managed to hold onto his position last season, but he remains on the hot seat. Despite having a stacked roster, the Predators finished seventh in the Central Division with a 30-44-8 record. Brunette himself has publicly criticized the team's professionalism, adding to the pressure to improve. He was hired in May 2023, and after two seasons, the team needs to show significant progress to secure his future.
Patrick Roy (New York Islanders): Roy took over the Islanders midway through the 2023-24 season and guided them to the playoffs. However, they have not progressed as hoped. After losing in the first round to the Carolina Hurricanes in 6 games before Roy, they lost to Carolina again in the first round in Roy's first year, but in 5 games, signaling a potential decline. General Manager Mathieu Darche gave Roy a pass for this season, but if the Islanders miss the playoffs, Darche may seek his own coaching hire.
Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning): As the longest-tenured coach in the NHL, Cooper has an impressive track record, including two Stanley Cups and over 500 wins since joining the Lightning in 2013. However, the Lightning have not advanced past the first round in the last three seasons and have been overtaken by the Florida Panthers in the state hierarchy. With the team's recent struggles, Cooper is under pressure to prove he can still lead them to success.
Rod Brind'Amour (Carolina Hurricanes): Brind'Amour won the Jack Adams Award in 2021, but the NHL is a "what have you done for us lately" league. Despite a deep and dangerous lineup, Brind'Amour faces pressure to guide the Hurricanes beyond the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2006. While his job may be safe for now, failing to win the Eastern Conference title could raise questions about his future with the team.
Jim Hiller (Los Angeles Kings): Hiller took over as the Kings' permanent coach after serving as interim coach following Todd McLellan's dismissal in February 2024. The Kings have a mix of aging veterans and promising young players, and expectations are high. However, losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round for four straight years indicates that the team needs to find a way to overcome this hurdle. Hiller needs to prove he can lead the Kings to greater playoff success.
Mike Sullivan (Pittsburgh Penguins): Sullivan's long tenure in Pittsburgh has been marked by significant success, but recent performance has put him on the hot seat. The Penguins have struggled to maintain their competitive edge, and changes may be needed if they fail to meet expectations.
Adam Foote (Vancouver Canucks): As a first-time head coach, Foote has much to prove with the Canucks. His experience as a Cup-winning defenseman and his familiarity with the team's roster earned him the opportunity, but he must now guide a team that underperformed last season.
Martin St. Louis (Montreal Canadiens): St. Louis has garnered praise for his work with the Canadiens. However, the team's progress must translate into tangible results, such as playoff contention, to solidify his position.
