NHL Coaching Changes
Detroit: OUT Mike Babcock, IN Todd Reirden
Babcock had coached the Red Wings for over a decade but the past four years have seen a steady decline in performance culminating in missing the playoffs by a hair's breadth this year.
Todd Reirden was let go mid-season by the Flyers after only 51 games behind the bench but he will hope to last a little longer in his new gig with Detroit. Reirden is coach who doesn't have any singular ability that stands out but he is steady, consistent and trusts his players. He is more encouraging than strict and tends to lean on his assistants a fair bit.
NY Rangers: OUT Bruce Cassidy, IN Rod Brind'Amour
Cassidy took over the Rangers midway through the 2015-2016 season and coached them through 218 regular season games accumulating a 121-77-20 record. The Rangers managed to make the playoffs but the Canadiens made short work of them and management decided to make a change behind the bench. Cassidy is well regarded around the league and should be able to find another job if he's looking for one.
Rod Brind'Amour was a respected leader as a player and honed his coaching skills as an assistant behind the Hurricanes bench but this will be his first opportunity as an NHL Head Coach. Brind'Amour keeps his players in top physical shape and knows how to read the room and keep his team motivated. His in-game adjustments are almost always spot on, he has an innate feel for the game and his systems work is also impressive. He does an especially good job coaching up defensemen, despite having played forward in his NHL career. He is an offensive leaning coach who will have high expectations despite being a rookie head coach. He is highly thought of in NHL circles and was widely considered to be the next great up and coming head coach hire.
Tampa Bay: OUT Doug Weight, IN Mike Babcock
Weight spent one full season behind the Lightning bench, had a 45-30-7 record and made the playoffs, getting to the second round before being swept by Montreal, but was still let go once management found out Mike Babcock would be available.
Babcock is an innovative coach who does well with younger players and forwards. He is demanding and disciplined, not always beloved by his players but good at pushing the right buttons nonetheless. He can be innovative tactically and is good at having his players buy into and understand his systems. The Lightning are hoping their club can take the next step and have consistent playoff success with him at the helm.