- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,256,942
- Reaction score
- 59
In the 2025 NHL season, significant changes occurred as several coaches were dismissed. Kris Knoblauch, who had a successful three-season tenure with the Oilers, was let go after leading the team to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, followed by a disappointing season.
Bruce Cassidy’s mid-season departure from the Vegas Knights surprised many. Additionally, Patrick Roy and the Islanders mutually agreed to part ways, while Craig Berube left Toronto, Jim Hiller was released by the LA Kings, and Dean Evans exited the Blue Jackets.
MORE: 5 NHL teams that will surprise in 2026-2027
Dec 20, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes looks on during the first period against the Edmonton Oilers at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Wild’s expectations are now Stanley Cup or bust. The team has strong talent around the lineup and can go on a deep run. If their expectations falter, then change may be coming for Minnesota. They are in a difficult Western Conference, but with Quinn Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber, and strong goaltending. No excuses for the Wild in the upcoming season.
Last season, they were a second-round exit and finished with 104 points. This team has not made it to the conference finals since the 2002-2003 season. The division wasn’t called the Central; it was called the North West. That is how long it has been for the Wild.
Mike Babcock returns behind the bench for the first time since 2019. Babcock was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 but later resigned. Now, he starts back up in Edmonton to try and get the Oilers back on track. With all the drama around Babcock’s name, I can’t imagine his tenure being too long with the Oilers.
Previously, he had been widely criticized for utilizing intense, old-school psychological warfare, mental manipulation, and verbal degradation that multiple former players and staff members characterized as workplace bullying.
MORE: NHL players facing the most pressure entering 2026-2027 season
Mar 28, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils had coach Sheldon Keefe walks off the ice after the end of the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The New Jersey Devils have a new general manager, Sunny Mehta, who previously enjoyed success with the Florida Panthers. Under Sheldon Keefe, the team finished 3rd in 2024 but fell to 7th in 2025, putting Keefe’s job at risk if performance doesn’t improve.
With new players like Anthony Mantha and Evan Rodrigues, the Devils aim for a stronger season. Nico Daws could emerge as the starting goalie, especially as Jake Allen ages.
If key players stay healthy, the Devils can make a notable impact in the Metropolitan Division. The team’s strength hinges on Jack Hughes’ fitness; his absence would require a shift in expectations.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
Bruce Cassidy’s mid-season departure from the Vegas Knights surprised many. Additionally, Patrick Roy and the Islanders mutually agreed to part ways, while Craig Berube left Toronto, Jim Hiller was released by the LA Kings, and Dean Evans exited the Blue Jackets.
MORE: 5 NHL teams that will surprise in 2026-2027
John Hynes | Minnesota Wild
You must be registered for see images attach
Dec 20, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes looks on during the first period against the Edmonton Oilers at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Wild’s expectations are now Stanley Cup or bust. The team has strong talent around the lineup and can go on a deep run. If their expectations falter, then change may be coming for Minnesota. They are in a difficult Western Conference, but with Quinn Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber, and strong goaltending. No excuses for the Wild in the upcoming season.
Last season, they were a second-round exit and finished with 104 points. This team has not made it to the conference finals since the 2002-2003 season. The division wasn’t called the Central; it was called the North West. That is how long it has been for the Wild.
Mike Babcock | Edmonton Oilers
Mike Babcock returns behind the bench for the first time since 2019. Babcock was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 but later resigned. Now, he starts back up in Edmonton to try and get the Oilers back on track. With all the drama around Babcock’s name, I can’t imagine his tenure being too long with the Oilers.
Previously, he had been widely criticized for utilizing intense, old-school psychological warfare, mental manipulation, and verbal degradation that multiple former players and staff members characterized as workplace bullying.
MORE: NHL players facing the most pressure entering 2026-2027 season
Sheldon Keefe | New Jersey Devils
You must be registered for see images attach
Mar 28, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils had coach Sheldon Keefe walks off the ice after the end of the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The New Jersey Devils have a new general manager, Sunny Mehta, who previously enjoyed success with the Florida Panthers. Under Sheldon Keefe, the team finished 3rd in 2024 but fell to 7th in 2025, putting Keefe’s job at risk if performance doesn’t improve.
With new players like Anthony Mantha and Evan Rodrigues, the Devils aim for a stronger season. Nico Daws could emerge as the starting goalie, especially as Jake Allen ages.
If key players stay healthy, the Devils can make a notable impact in the Metropolitan Division. The team’s strength hinges on Jack Hughes’ fitness; his absence would require a shift in expectations.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
