As the Stanley Cup Playoffs advance to the second round, teams that didn`t qualify or were eliminated are making changes in their front offices and coaching staffs. Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas shared their latest insights and rumours on a recent episode of the `32 Thoughts: The Podcast`.
Canucks Head Coaching Search: Is Foote a Candidate?
The Vancouver Canucks are looking for a new head coach, and a familiar face might be a strong candidate. According to Elliotte Friedman, Adam Foote, who was an assistant coach under the recently departed Rick Tocchet, is considered a serious possibility for the position. Friedman suggests that the opinion of Canucks captain Quinn Hughes could be a factor, given their close relationship.
Friedman quoted, “He’s a really smart guy… Also, I’d be interested to see if this is something Quinn Hughes would endorse. They are close and have a good relationship. Foote has significantly helped Hughes improve his game and offered valuable advice. They communicate very effectively.” Friedman added, “I wouldn’t be surprised if, beyond his deep hockey knowledge, this connection puts Foote on Vancouver’s short list.”
Adam Foote had a distinguished 19-season NHL playing career, winning two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche. After retiring, he worked as a development consultant for the Avalanche and coached the WHL`s Kelowna Rockets for parts of two seasons before joining the Canucks` staff in January 2023 alongside Tocchet.
The Canucks recently announced Rick Tocchet would not return for the next season. Although Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award as the league`s top coach last season, the Canucks missed the playoffs this year after a difficult campaign. Vancouver finished the season with a 38-30-14 record, missing the playoffs by six points.
Anaheim Ducks and Joel Quenneville Rumours
Keep an eye on the Anaheim Ducks` head coaching search, as news regarding Joel Quenneville could emerge shortly. Friedman indicated, “I believe we will know this week if this is a serious possibility. We should have a clear indication this week if Quenneville and the Ducks are a potential fit, or if both parties will explore other options.”
Quenneville is a highly successful coach with three Stanley Cup championships earned with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 66-year-old was barred from working in the NHL for more than two years due to his handling of an alleged sexual assault incident within the Blackhawks organization in 2010. He was reinstated by the league last July.
Despite improving by 21 points this season (from 59 to 80), the Ducks finished well outside the playoff picture, resulting in head coach Greg Cronin`s dismissal.
Washington Capitals Assistant Mitch Love Drawing Interest
Elliotte Friedman mentioned that Mitch Love is a name frequently coming up in coaching discussions. The 40-year-old is currently an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals under Spencer Carbery; the Capitals are currently competing in the second round of the playoffs.
Friedman reported, “I’ve heard several teams are interested in speaking with him. However, they will likely need to wait until the Capitals` playoff run concludes, unless the team grants permission for interviews between series should they keep winning.”
Before joining the Capitals, Love had significant success as a head coach in the AHL with the Calgary Flames` affiliates, the Stockton Heat (2021-22) and Calgary Wranglers (2022-23), earning coach of the year honours in both seasons. His prior experience also includes roles with the WHL`s Everett Silvertips (assistant coach, 2011-18) and Saskatoon Blades (head coach, 2018-21).
While his connection to Everett, near Seattle, might spark interest from the Kraken, Friedman believes other teams are also considering Love. Friedman speculated, “I wonder if a team like Pittsburgh, potentially looking for a younger coach to grow with their roster, might see him as a fit. I think he`s a name on several teams` radars.”
New York Islanders General Manager Search
The search for a new general manager is reportedly gaining momentum for the New York Islanders. The organization chose not to extend the contract of Lou Lamoriello after his seven-year tenure.
Friedman commented on weekend reports: “There was significant news over the weekend regarding a potential hire. We`ll see how that develops. One reason this could happen quickly is that some potential candidates, like Jarmo Kekalainen, are readily available for teams to speak with.” Kekalainen previously served as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024 and also held roles within the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues organizations.
Another name frequently mentioned is former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin, currently a senior adviser with the Los Angeles Kings. While some sources called it “premature,” Friedman stated, “I do believe Bergevin is a serious candidate for the position. It’s difficult to predict the Islanders` process because Lamoriello is still present, which implies a level of confidentiality, but I stand by the belief that Bergevin is a strong contender.”
Mike Sullivan Finds a New Home
Mike Sullivan quickly found a new coaching position. The New York Rangers hired Sullivan as their head coach on Friday, just four days after his departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
According to Friedman, Sullivan signed a five-year contract with the Rangers. While the total value may not exceed Mike Babcock`s record eight-year, $50-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Friedman reported that the average annual salary is higher.
“He definitely raised the standard,” Friedman commented, drawing a parallel to Babcock`s statement upon signing his large deal. “Sullivan, even with a shorter term, moves the salary bar for coaches.”
The 57-year-old coached the Penguins for ten seasons, leading them to consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Friedman suggested that with the Penguins in a rebuilding phase and having missed the playoffs for three straight years, it was the right time for Sullivan to leave, and the timing aligned perfectly with the Rangers` need.
Friedman emphasized, “As we`ve mentioned on the podcast, the Rangers absolutely had to secure Mike Sullivan. He will clearly be well-compensated, but he will also experience a renewal.” Friedman added a personal reflection: “There have been moments in my career where I left positions I enjoyed, only to later realize how much I needed that change. He will feel revitalized by this. I often share this perspective; sometimes a difficult situation seems like the end, but it isn`t. And sometimes, as I`ve experienced, you needed a change even if you didn`t realize it at the time. I strongly believe in that viewpoint.”
