Attention will now turn to the Leafs, who have decisions to make shortly → https://t.co/M9zOrrwkIQ
– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 12, 2023
![16 of the NHL’s 32 coaches are in their first job as head coach](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/06/St-Louis-1.jpg)
In the world of field hockey, there’s a recurring expression: the good old “bag of coaches”. For those less familiar, it refers to the fact that teams often tend to take on recycled coaches who have already managed another club before.
So, with Laviolette in New York and Mike Babcock (also recycled) in Columbus, that means that right now, all 32 head coaching positions are filled in the NHL. We’ll see if the Maple Leafs, whose situation is unclear, and the Senators make a move, but right now, there are no vacant positions.
But last night, Ken Campbell made an interesting point: the “bag of coaches” concept may not be as widespread as you might think, since 16 of the 32 coaches currently in place are in their first head-coaching experience in the Bettman circuit.
The narrative surrounding “recycled NHL coach” is a lazy one, with 16 of the league’s 32 coaches currently on their first NHL head coach jobs. (17 if you include Andrew Brunette, who was interim in Fla.) That said, I can’t make any sense of the Rangers hiring Peter Laviolette.
– Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) June 12, 2023
For those interested, here’s the list of first-time coaches:
- Jon Cooper (Lightning)
- Jared Bednar (Avalanche)
- Rod Brind’Amour (Hurricanes)
- D.J. Smith (Senators)
- Sheldon Keefe (Maple Leafs)
- Dean Evason (Wild)
- Don Granato (Sabres)
- André Tourigny (Coyotes)
- Martin St-Louis (Canadian)
- Jay Woodcroft (Oilers)
- Lane Lambert (Islanders)
- Luke Richardson (Blackhawks)
- Derek Lalonde (Red Wings)
- Spencer Carbery (Capitals)
- Greg Cronin (Ducks)
- Ryan Huska (Flames)
What we notice is that nine of the 16 coaches on the list have been hired since the start of 2022, St-Louis being the first of the group. So we’re talking about guys who don’t have a lot of experience in their current positions, but who at least got a chance to prove their abilities.
He could really survive the GM change in Toronto → https://t.co/6thRHgMJPW
– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 3, 2023
That said, the fact remains that there’s still a certain “bag of coaches” out there, as guys who’ve had failures elsewhere continue to get chances with new formations. Even so, it’s good to see that half the league has seen fit to give the runner a chance by hiring a coach in his first NHL position.
In bursts
– Speaking of first-time coaches.
The us-against-him mentality that was prevalent in the room the last few years will veer more towards an all-for-one approach.@EricFrancis on new Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska ✍️ https://t.co/99g9RCkZ6O
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 13, 2023
– I think Jack Eichel is still at the top of his game, too.
Conn Smythe watch: Is it down to Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault and Adin Hill?
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/uUCfpWtjpa
– Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 13, 2023
– I love it.
Like father, like son. 🥬 @bonk_oliver rockin’ the mullet at #NHLCombine just like his dad Radek Bonk(@Bonkie14) did.
(📸: @Senators) pic.twitter.com/Qh4QGJMSkB
– NHL (@NHL) June 13, 2023
– Interesting.
The poker table is starting to fill up for the upcoming NBA draft. https://t.co/Tzg50qm7OE
– AlleyOop360 (@AlleyOop360) June 13, 2023
– We wish him well.
“It’s my ultimate goal to win a tournament on the PGA tour!” ⛳️
Listen to pro golfer @EtiennePapineau at @LangloisMario ‘s 🎙️!
He shares with us his experience at the Canadian Open…and Nick Taylor’s victory 🎧👉 https://t.co/Kef8gc3MGO pic.twitter.com/Vpp7wSiyZF
– 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) June 13, 2023