Team seeks NHLPA approval to hire coach after prior resignation

A team is consulting the NHL Players’ Association to determine whether it can hire a coach without objection, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger. The team dismissed its previous head coach last month after a first-round playoff exit. The coach under consideration resigned from his prior position in 2023 before coaching a single game.

Background on the coach The NHLPA investigated the situation before the coach resigned. The former general manager at that organization called the hiring “a mistake” in a statement after the resignation. Several former players have described experiences of being embarrassed or otherwise mistreated by the coach.

One reported incident occurred during the 2016-17 season when a rookie was asked to rank teammates by work ethic and the list was shared with the team.

Coaching record The coach previously led one team to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2003 and won the Cup with another team in 2008. He also guided Team Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. He signed an eight-year contract before the 2015-16 season and was dismissed in late 2019. Last month he stated he was retired when asked about coaching rumors.