NHL Hot Seat: NHL Coaches on the Hot Seat 2023-24

Last week’s top hot-seat coach, Don Granato, has officially been fired by the Buffalo Sabres. He is now the eighth coach to be let go by his team this season. Let’s now discuss four more coaches who could be fired in the near future.

Derek Lalonde – Red Wings 

Things are not going well for the Red Wings right now. They have won only four out of their last 10 games, and it is coming at the worst time. Their once-comfortable spot in the Eastern Conference wild card standings is gone. They are currently in a tight battle with the Penguins, Capitals, and Flyers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Due to the Red Wings’ poor play lately, there has been buzz about the prospect of Derek Lalonde being let go by the team. Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff recently reported that a source informed the site that the Red Wings are considering a coaching change. Thus, this is something to pay attention to. 

If the Red Wings turn things around quickly, the noise surrounding Lalonde will go away. However, if they miss the playoffs, a coaching change could be in order. 

Potential Replacement: Duff reported that former Blues head coach Craig Berube would be on the Red Wings’ short wish list if they opted to fire Lalonde. It is understandable, as Berube had a lot of success as the Blues’ bench boss and could be exactly the kind of coach that Detroit needs to take that next step forward. 

Mike Sullivan – Penguins

Mike Sullivan is a coach who absolutely has the potential to be fired. The Penguins are currently fighting for their playoff lives and are one point behind the Capitals in the wild card standings. They have picked up their play down the stretch, but if they miss the postseason, a coaching change could occur. 

When noting that the Penguins had high expectations heading into the season, missing the playoffs would be unacceptable. It is clear that they are trying to stay competitive during the final years of Sidney Crosby’s career, but right now, they are not close to being a true contender. Because of this, now may be the time for a change behind the bench. A new voice could be the drive they need to get things back on track.

Sullivan has had an excellent tenure with the Penguins, but with the team heading in the wrong direction, a change may benefit both him and the team. 

Potential Replacement: If the Penguins fire Sullivan, Gerard Gallant would be a strong replacement for him. He has an excellent resume and experience helping struggling teams become contenders. Players like Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson would be great fits in his offense-heavy system. 

Dave Hakstol – Kraken 

The Kraken could look to make a change behind the bench this offseason. After an excellent 2022-23, they took a significant step in the wrong direction this season. At this point of the year, they have a 33-34-13 record and are far behind the Western Conference teams preparing for the playoffs. 

The Kraken had high hopes leading up to this campaign but did not come anywhere close to reaching them. They have not been ending this season on a high note, either, as they are currently sporting a three-game losing streak. That certainly does not help Hakstol’s chances of sticking around beyond this season. 

Potential Replacement: Todd McLellan could be an interesting coach for the Kraken to bring in. While his time with the Kings ended in a poor fashion, he has had a good amount of success in the NHL and could help Seattle turn things back around. 

Sheldon Keefe – Maple Leafs 

The Maple Leafs will not fire Sheldon Keefe before the end of this season. However, he is a coach who is still arguably on the hot seat. If the Maple Leafs fail to make a run of any kind during the playoffs, it would not be surprising to see them make a change behind the bench during the summer.

The Maple Leafs have far too strong a roster to continue having short playoff runs. With players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Morgan Reilly leading the way, this team needs to take a step forward during the playoffs this year. If not, don’t be surprised if Keefe is not back in Toronto next season.

Potential Replacement: If the Maple Leafs end up making a change behind the bench, one coach who should be watched closely is Jay Woodcroft. While his time with the Oilers ended poorly, he had plenty of success coaching superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. As a result, he could do the same with the Maple Leafs’ top guns.