As the 2025-26 season winds down, several non-playoff teams could be looking to make changes behind the bench. As such, NHL rumors are flying about potential vacancies opening up in the coming weeks.
With the New York Islanders and Vegas Golden Knights making surprising late-season moves, the number of coaching vacancies may not be quite as high. Still, there will be plenty of chatter surrounding several clubs.
So, let’s take a look at three teams that could be looking to make coaching changes this offseason.
NHL Rumors Involving Coaching Changes in 2026 Offseason
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils had a disappointing season. Pundits picked the Devils to be contenders at the beginning of the season. However, inconsistent play and freak injuries fueled NHL rumors about trades and now, a potential coaching change.
Second-year coach Sheldon Keefe came under scrutiny for his inability to get consistent efforts out of his lineup. While the Devils have been playing good hockey for the last month or so, it has been too little, too late.
While the chatter among NHL rumors doesn’t purport that a coaching change could be imminent in New Jersey, the belief is that there might be the temptation to make a move. If that happens, the organization will be looking at its options moving forward.
Vancouver Canucks
Another round of NHL rumors posits a change in Vancouver. Canucks’ first-year coach Adam Foote stepped in this season, replacing Rick Tocchet. However, things simply feel apart for the Canucks.
The debacle of a season led to the Quinn Hughes trade and could lead to other offseason player movements.
It’s worth noting that this year’s disaster is not really on Foote. He came into the job with the team already circling the drain. But try as he did, Foote was unable to rescue the club. That situation prompted insider David Pagnotta to dismiss the possibility of a coaching change in Vancouver. However, NHL rumors aren’t going away. The organization might have to address the situation, either confirming or dismissing Foote.
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NHL Rumors Suggest Shakeup for LA Kings
The LA Kings have been another underachieving team this season. Pundits and analysts believed that the club would be able to maintain a significant foothold on a playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, that has not been the case.
Entering Sunday night’s action, the Kings are tied with the Nashville Predators with 81 points. Nevertheless, the Preds get the edge for the final playoff spot.
That’s not the situation the Kings expected to be in. That’s why the organization moved to fire Jim Hiller earlier this season, promoting former assistant DJ Smith to the interim head coaching role.
The belief among NHL rumors is that a playoff miss could lead to a shakeup for the Kings. The retirement of longtime captain Anze Kopitar will open the door for a natural turnover in leadership, both on and off the ice.
It’s also worth noting that a playoff berth won’t guarantee Smith will be the bench boss next season. A strong playoff run, however, could buy Smith at least one more season.
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