Never before in the new "modern age" NHL has the coaching position garnered the attention, scrutiny, and organizational importance as we are witnessing these last few years. How will the rest of the NHL open coaching positions, league wide, be deeply affected by Coach Q's Sunrise podium introduction?
The NHL coaching trend over recent years has favored non-NHL, yet successful young up-and-coming bench bosses among teams trying to take the next step like the Tampa Bay Lightning's Jon Cooper, The Dallas Stars' Jim Montgomery, Travis Green with the Vancouver Canucks, Dave Hakstol with the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Rangers' David Quinn and even Florida's hiring of Bob Boughner, who was a class act during his tenure in South Florida and has a bright future in the league.
The reason for this recent 'youth movement' at the head coaching position really does mirror the state of the NHL as the game continues to gravitate towards younger, faster, and more skill at the offensive positions. But with that said, more experienced NHL Stanley Cup playoff tested Skippers have found success in righting the ship of several teams over the past few years as well. Look no further than two coaches in the Atlantic Division, Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Claude Julien of the Montreal Canadiens.