October ends, the NHL season settles in, most teams surpass the 10-game mark, and one fire pops up. Then another. Before long, several of the NHL’s markets are giving off smoke, their fan bases beginning to panic, calling for mid-season coaching changes. And recent precedent suggests the frenzy is not an overreaction. Heads may soon roll across NHL benches.Joel Quenneville resigned as Florida Panthers coach Oct. 28.The Philadelphia Flyers fired Alain Vigneault Dec. 6.
Who are the best available options if and when any NHL teams make coaching changes this season? Here’s a tiered list, ranging from big fish to retreads to emerging new names that might not be available until the offseason.After his shocking ousting from the Isles this past offseason, the two-time Jack Adams Award winner is weighing his options. He turned down an offer to return home and coach the Jets. He mentioned last week that.