NHL Rumors: Which head coaches are next to be extended?
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors takes a look at four head coaches on the last year of their deals.
According to Pierre LeBrun on the latest TSN Insider Trading, Peter Laviolette (WSH), Bruce Boudreau (VAN), Dallas Eakins (ANA), and Lindy Ruff (NJD) are all possible candidates for an extension.
“The Ducks picked up Eakins’ option at the end of last year. New GM Pat Verbeek I think wants to still get to know Dallas Eakins before he decides a long-term future there,” LeBrun stated. “My money’s on Peter Laviolette being the first of those four to get an extension and you know, I think there’s already been contract talks. And I believe that GM Brian MacLellan likes what he’s seen from Peter Laviolette, it would not surprise me if that’s an in-season extension for Peter Laviolette in Washington.”
NHL Rumors: Predicting coaching futures
Peter Laviolette: The 57 year-old bench boss picked up his 700th career coaching win with the Caps on February 15 against his old team the Nashville Predators. He ranks second among active head coaches in wins (717), with New Jersey Devils’ Lindy Ruff (772) first.
Prediction: Capitals will re-sign him
Bruce Boudreau: He’s entering his first full season leading the Canucks after he was hired last December to replace the fired Travis Green. This year, the 67 year-old is looking to earn an extension. Vancouver made a run for the wild card going 32-16-10 under Boudreau last season but fell just short.
Prediction: Canucks will re-sign him
Dallas Eakins: The 55 year-old coach has done a nice job helping the Ducks transition during this rebuild and will likely continue guiding this young team. He’s entering his fourth season with the team and has a record of 78-100-32 in Anaheim. He’s considered one of the bright young coaching minds in the game and seems to have a good relationship with the Ducks young stars like Trevor Zegras.
Prediction: Ducks will re-sign him
Lindy Ruff: The 62 year-old took over two years ago with the Devils under renovation. Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier are the centerpieces of their future but adding Dougie Hamilton via trade and signing Ondrej Palat this summer in free agency indicates to me the Devils want to be in playoff contention. If they aren’t in the Wild Card mix, Ruff could be on his way out. He’s 46-77-16 with New Jersey.
Prediction: Devils will not re-sign him
