List of NHL Coaches 2023-24

Established in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL) comprises 32 professional ice hockey teams. Each team appoints a head coach responsible for game direction, team practices, player guidance, and strategic decision-making. The head coach determines player lineups and playing lines for games. In certain instances, a coach might serve on an interim basis, and some teams may opt for co-coaches. Beyond team management, coaches also engage with the media to provide insights and perspectives.

Also Read: List of NHL Arenas

NHL Coaches 2023-24

The 2023-24 NHL coaching roster showcases a diverse and accomplished group of leaders, each contributing a unique coaching style to their respective teams. Greg Cronin, known for his mental toughness, assumed the role of head coach for the Anaheim Ducks in June 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, and the Colorado Eagles. André Tourigny, at the helm of the Arizona Coyotes since 2021, boasts a coaching career that includes significant contributions to Canada’s junior ice hockey team. Jim Montgomery, former NHL player turned coach, guiding the Boston Bruins with a coaching style emphasizing balance and discipline. These coaches, with their rich backgrounds and strategic approaches, contribute to the dynamic landscape of NHL coaching for the current season.

Here is a look at the list of all 32 coaches for the 2023-24 season:

Anaheim Ducks – Greg Cronin

Known for his mental toughness, Greg Cronin became the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks in June 2023. His coaching journey includes stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, and the Colorado Eagles.

Arizona Coyotes now Utah – André Tourigny

André Tourigny has been coaching the Arizona Coyotes since 2021. With a coaching career starting in 2002, he contributed significantly to Canada’s junior ice hockey team, winning gold and silver at the IIHF World U20 Championship.

Boston Bruins – Jim Montgomery

Jim Montgomery, former player turned coach, is currently serving as the head coach of the Boston Bruins. His coaching style emphasizes balance and discipline. Montgomery played as a centre for several NHL teams during his playing career.

Buffalo Sabres – Lindy Ruff

The Buffalo Sabres named Lindy Ruff, a seasoned NHL coach, as their new head coach of the team in 2024. With 864 career regular-season wins, Ruff brings a wealth of experience. His track record and familiarity with young players make him a standout choice for leading the Sabres into a new era of success.

Calgary Flames – Ryan Huska

Ryan Huska took on the role of head coach for the Calgary Flames in June 2023, succeeding Darryl Sutter. His coaching journey includes being the head coach of the Adirondack Flames (AHL) and later serving as an assistant coach for the Calgary Flames.

Carolina Hurricanes – Rod Brind’Amour

Rod Brind’Amour, a Canadian legend, is the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. Brind’Amour led the Hurricanes to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2006 as team captain.

Chicago Blackhawks – Luke Richardson

Luke Richardson joined the Chicago Blackhawks as their head coach in June 2022. His coaching style is influenced by his extensive playing experience, emphasizing team chemistry and effective communication.

Colorado Avalanche – Jared Bednar

Jared Bednar, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, made history by winning the Stanley Cup with the team in 2022, making him the first coach to win the Kelly (with South Carolina Stingrays in 2009), Calder (with Lake Erie Monsters in 2016), and Stanley Cups.

Columbus Blue Jackets – Pascal Vincent

Pascal Vincent was named head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023. He is focused on building a winning culture and strong work ethic within the team. Vincent's coaching experience includes being an assistant coach for the Winnipeg Jets in the past.

Dallas Stars – Peter DeBoer

Peter DeBoer is the head coach for the Dallas Stars. He was appointed in June 2022. DeBoer brings a wealth of coaching experience as he has previously coached teams like Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Detroit Red Wings – Derek Lalonde

Derek Lalonde, head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, began his coaching journey in 1995 as a graduate assistant at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He was appointed head coach of the Red Wings on June 30, 2022.

Edmonton Oilers – Kris Knoblauch

Kris Knoblauch, born on September 24, 1978, serves as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. Before this, he coached the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) and gained 13 seasons of coaching experience.

Florida Panthers – Paul Maurice

Paul Maurice, known for his calm demeanor, was named head coach of the Florida Panthers in June 2022. He guided the Panthers to the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals after a successful stint with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Los Angeles Kings – Jim Hiller

The Los Angeles Kings announced their new interim head coach Jil Hiller in 2024, relieving Todd McLellan. Jim brings a strong track record of improving teams' power play performance. With experience in player development and strategic adjustments, Hiller aims to lead the Kings to success

Minnesota Wild – John Hynes

John Hynes, born on February 10, 1975, is an American ice hockey coach currently leading the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. He has previously served as the head coach of the Jersey Devils and Nashville Predators.

Montreal Canadiens – Martin St. Louis

Martin St. Louis is currently the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. He had an illustrious NHL career despite going undrafted. St. Louis was Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. Lastly, St. Louis won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004.

Nashville Predators – Andrew Brunette

Andrew D. Brunette is the head coach for the Nashville Predators. During his playing career (1996-2012), Brunette played over 1,100 NHL games with various teams. He served as the interim head coach for the Florida Panthers and as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils.

New Jersey Devils – Vacant

During the 2023-24 regular season, the Devils dismissed head coach Lindy Ruff on March 4 following a 5-1 defeat to the Los Angeles Kings, now the position is vacant. Lindy Ruff became the head coach of the New Jersey Devils on July 9, 2020.

New York Islanders – Patrick Roy

Patrick Roy, a former goaltender and executive, currently serves as the head of the New York Islanders. Roy previously held the position of head coach for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL and the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

New York Rangers – Peter Laviolette

Peter Laviolette was hired as the head coach of the New York Rangers on June 13, 2023, replacing Gerard Gallant. Laviolette previously coached the Carolina Hurricanes, leading them to a Stanley Cup win in 2006. He also coached the Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, and the New York Islanders.

Ottawa Senators – Travis Green

Travis Green is a professional ice hockey coach currently serving as the interim head coach of the Ottawa Senators. Green was hired by New Jersey Devils as interm coach after they fired Lindy Ruff on March 4, 2024.

Philadelphia Flyers – John Tortorella

John Tortorella, born on June 24, 1958, serves as the head coach for the Philadelphia Flyers. With coaching experience across various NHL teams, Tortorella led the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup in 2004. He holds the distinction of being the first American-born NHL coach to achieve 500 wins and has been honored with the Jack Adams Award twice.

Pittsburgh Penguins – Mike Sullivan

Michael Barry Sullivan, born on February 27, 1968, serves as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan, a former NHL player, played over 11 seasons and represented the United States in international competitions. As the Penguins' head coach, he brings his experience to guide the team to new heights.

San Jose Sharks – Vacant

San Jose Shark's head coach position is vacant as of now. Previously, David Quinn served as the head coach of the San Jose Sharks. After finishing the 2023-24 NHL season with the worst record, the San Jose Sharks parted ways with head coach David Quinn.

Seattle Kraken – Vacant

The head coach position of the team is vacant. David Hakstol previously served as the head coach for the Seattle Kraken. His coaching career includes leading the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) and serving as the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers (2015-18). He joined the Kraken after serving as an assistant coach for Canada’s national men’s team.

St. Louis Blues – Drew Bannister

Drew Bannister, born on April 9, 1974, is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player. Currently serving as the interim head coach of the St. Louis Blues in the NHL, Bannister played in the NHL for teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and New York Rangers. He concluded his playing career while also serving as a player and head coach for the Braehead Clan in the British Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

Tampa Bay Lightning – Jon Cooper

Jonathan D. Cooper, born on August 23, 1967, is the head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Cooper won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021 as the Lightning head coach. He is the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL, having joined the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Vacant

The Toronto Maple Leafs have no head coach as of now and the position is vacant. Previously, Sheldon Keefe served as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sheldon Keefe was relieved of his coaching duties with the Toronto Maple Leafs in March 2024, despite his impressive record, including three consecutive 100-point seasons and leading the team to a franchise-record 115-point season in 2021-22. The franchise seeks a new voice to guide the team toward its ultimate goal.

Vancouver Canucks – Rick Tocchet

Richard Tocchet is the current head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. As a former right winger, Tocchet played for various teams and later served as the head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes.

Vegas Golden Knights – Bruce Cassidy

Bruce James Cassidy, also known as "Butch" or "Butchy," is the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. Cassidy, a former professional ice hockey player, won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. He previously coached the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins.

Washington Capitals – Spencer Carbery

Spencer Carbery was named the head coach of the Washington Capitals on May 30, 2023. He has a coaching background that includes serving as an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs (2021-23). Carbery retired from professional hockey in 2010 and later joined coaching.

Winnipeg Jets – Vacant

The Winnipeg Jets have no head coach as of now after Richard Gary Bowness announced his retirement from the sport. Bowness has led multiple NHL teams in coaching, including the original Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, and Dallas Stars. He has also been an associate coach with the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning in the past.