The NHL coaching carousel saw its first casualty on Tuesday with the Boston Bruins announcing the departure of Jim Montgomery.
For a team known for keeping their decisions private, the firing wasn’t entirely surprising—it served as a reminder that the coach is often the first to take the blame when times get tough.
Several teams are underperforming just six weeks into the season, and with many organizations hesitating to embrace rebuilding, Montgomery’s dismissal may not be the last before the Four Nations break in February.
Who’s Next on the Hot Seat?
Here are a few coaches who could be at risk of losing their jobs.
Mike Sullivan – Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have lost three of their last five games as they head into a challenging matchup against the Lightning, followed by games against the Jets and Canucks.
Sullivan’s squad is currently at the bottom of the league in goals allowed, and there are numerous issues on the ice that he needs to address quickly. Penguins fans are growing frustrated with the team’s tendency to squander leads, with the Pens allowing a league-high 28 goals in the third period, reflecting poor puck discipline and a lack of effort.
Adding to the pressure, the team has recorded 327 giveaways this season, second only to the Calgary Flames. If they trade top defenseman Marcus Pettersson, following Lars Eller’s recent departure to Washington, the situation could worsen. With the team signaling they may sell ahead of the trade deadline, and with an aging core featuring Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, Sullivan is a prime candidate for dismissal.
Derek Lalonde – Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have posted a 3-5-2 record in their last ten games, falling short of expectations for a team that was once seen as a potential contender in the East this season.
Lalonde has been head coach for two full seasons, recording a 35-37 record in his first year and improving to 41-32 last season. His hiring was initially celebrated due to his success with the Lightning, but now he faces pressure to deliver results as the Red Wings lost three winnable games on the West Coast against the Ducks, Kings, and Sharks.
While the power play has been strong, tying for fourth in goals, the penalty kill ranks among the league’s worst, and Detroit’s expected goals for total of 31.46 is the third lowest in the league, according to Money Puck.
Andrew Brunette – Nashville Predators
The Predators find themselves in a precarious position.
Brunette’s hiring last year suggested a potential rebuild, a possibility hinted at by General Manager Barry Trotz’s recent radio comments that sparked concern among fans. While it remains to be seen if Nashville will indeed opt for a rebuild, the team may be forced to make changes, especially with Juuse Saros being the lone bright spot after substantial offseason spending.
On the bright side, high-profile additions Jordan Marssechault and Steven Stamkos have each reached double digits in points through 19 games. However, after surprising everyone by securing the first Wild Card seed in the West last year, the Preds now seem to need a shake-up and a new voice in the locker room.
Patrick Roy – New York Islanders
Roy’s first win as head coach of the Islanders (a 3-2 victory over the Stars in January) turned out to foreshadow a challenging season.
The Islanders have developed a frustrating pattern, winning only three games by more than one goal and struggling in the third period. They rank second in the league for goals allowed in that frame, only behind the Penguins. Unlike Pittsburgh, New York has been missing key players like Anthony Duclair and Matthew Barzal due to injuries.
At 7-7-5, the situation isn’t critical just yet, and of all the coaches mentioned here, Roy appears to have the most time to turn things around. However, with the power play netting just seven goals all season, it’s starting to feel like a lost year for Roy, who was expected to be a great fit for a team that has been on the cusp of contention for years.
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