The beginning of the new season brings about the typical speculation about NHL coaches. In particular, the discussion hovers around the bench bosses who might be on the hot seat in 2025-26.
Some coaches may be closer to the door than others. But for others, all it takes is a slow start to see their head on the chopping block.
So, here’s a look at three NHL coaches who could be starting the 2025-26 season on the hot seat.
3 NHL coaches on hot season in 2025-26
Patrick Roy, New York Islanders
Plenty of speculation swirled around Patrick Roy’s potential dismissal this summer. New GM Mathieu Darche could have swiped the slate clean, but opted to keep Roy. The Isles’ coach will start his second full season with the team.
After rallying the club to an unlikely playoff appearance in 2023-24, the wheels completely fell off last season. Much of it was not Roy’s fault, as the insane number of injuries derailed the team’s entire season.
Nevertheless, the club got better as the season went along. Still, it wasn’t enough to get back into the playoff race. With the offseason moves and changes, Roy will be under pressure to get the club back into the postseason hunt. If the Islanders have another disastrous season, Roy could be on the outs.
Andrew Brunette, Nashville Predators
Andrew Brunette brought in a renewed sense of hope for the Nashville Predators after leading the team to a playoff appearance in 2024. That effort earned him a Jack Adams nomination. The future looked bright, with the club swinging for the fence during the 2024 offseason.
That effort fell flat last season. The Preds were a bottom-dwelling team, missing the playoffs by a wide margin. The team still has a talented, veteran core. It also boasts elite talent in Norris Trophy winner Roman Josi, club all-time leading scorer Filip Forsberg, and Vezina candidate Juuse Saros.
But there has to be a breaking point somewhere. If the Predators cannot replicate their success from the 2023-24 season, management will need to make a decision. With the Predators reluctant to blow things up, the shakeup could come with a move behind the bench.
Thus far, GM Barry Trotz has given Brunette his support. But that backing will likely come with a relatively short leash.
Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres brought back Lindy Ruff, hoping to rekindle the fire that led the team to its last playoff appearance. That was nearly 15 years ago, and the Sabres continue sputtering out of the gate.
Ruff was unable to turn the Sabres around. Another agonizingly long losing streak essentially zapped any hopes the team had of getting back into the playoff hunt. To GM Kevyn Adams’ credit, he’s tried to bolster the team’s depth and address as many pain points as possible.
But there has to be a point where the Sabres must choose between blowing things up again or moving on from their coach. It seems that the latter will be the easiest route to take. Tearing things down once again would be utterly pointless. The club has a decent young core and could be poised to finally take the next step.
One has to think, however, that a slow start could seriously turn up the heat on Ruff. If the Sabres are not within striking distance of a playoff spot, it could be curtains for Buffalo’s bench boss.