NHL Hot Seat: NHL Coaches on the Hot Seat in 2024-25

We have seen two NHL head coaches already get fired this season. It certainly seems that more could be on the way soon, as there are multiple coaches on the hot seat right now. 

Because of this, let’s discuss the top four coaches on the hot seat now. 

Derek Lalonde – Red Wings 

Things have not been good with the Red Wings so far this season. They have a 10-11-2 record and are currently sixth in the Atlantic Division. Due to their bad start, Derek Lalonde seat might be the hottest of all NHL coaches right now. 

Lalonde’s job security was questioned big time this offseason after the Red Wings’ poor finish to the 2023-24 campaign. While they elected to keep him around, it is fair to wonder how much longer of a leash he will have from here. If Detroit does not turn things around, a big change behind the bench could be coming. 

Potential Replacement: Dave Hakstol is a coach to watch if the Red Wings want to make a change behind the bench. He has plenty of experience and could help the Red Wings get back on the right track because of it. 

Peter Laviolette – Rangers 

Things are going horribly for the Rangers right now. After a hot start to the season, they have now lost six out of their last seven games. With this, they have made it known that they are ready to shake up their roster. Could a change behind the bench also be on the table? It certainly seems possible.

The Rangers have incredibly high expectations for the season, as they are viewed as legitimate contenders. Thus, if they cannot turn things around shortly, it could very well lead to Laviolette being let go by the Original Six club.

Potential Replacement: Joel Quenneville has been linked to the Rangers, so he could be a potential replacement if Laviolette is officially fired. He notably led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups, so he could be a big addition for a Rangers club looking to win one of their own. 

Mike Sullivan – Penguins

Things are not good with the Penguins right now, and Mike Sullivan’s seat is undoubtedly getting hotter. The Penguins currently have an 11-12-4 record and are sixth in the Metropolitan Division. 

Due to the Penguins’ struggles this season, Sullivan has been creating chatter as a coach on the hot seat. If the Penguins are unable to get their season back on track, it would not be particularly surprising if Sullivan was shown the door. 

Sometimes, teams need a new voice in the room, and the Penguins appear to be overdue at this point. 

Potential Replacement: Jay Woodcroft is one coach the Penguins should watch closely. 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 Penguins’ top guns.

Andrew Brunette – Predators 

The Predators had a massive summer, bringing in Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. However, even after making some big-time moves, they have started their season off with a 7-13-6 record. They also have lost five straight games. With this, head coach Andrew Brunette’s seat is getting hotter. 

The Predators were expected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season, but they have been far from it. If they continue to struggle early on, it would not be particularly surprising if we saw the Predators make a change behind the bench.

Potential Replacement: Todd McLellan could be an interesting coach for Nashville 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 would be a good coach for Nashville to have.