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NHL Power Rankings: Who is the best head coach in the league?

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

#7: Dan Bylsma

The Buffalo Sabres might have missed out on Mike Babcock in the summer of 2015. They got the best consolation prize possible when they hired former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma. Bylsma, much like McLellan, will be tasked with the difficult job of overseeing the rebuild of the Sabres from the bench. It will be his job to get the most out of his players and develop players like centers Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart. Quite the interesting change from his time in Pittsburgh when winning meant everything.

Bylsma is perhaps best known for taking over for the Penguins during the 2008-2009 NHL season and leading them to a Stanley Cup victory. He was sort of spoiled, but that will always be the case with anyone blessed enough to coach Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Bylsma consistently led the Penguins to success despite often having at least one of Crosby and Malkin on the injured list.  Even in firing Bylsma, the Penguins showed how much they respect his talent when they refused to fire him until after their rival Capitals hired Barry Trotz. Pittsburgh wanted no part of their rival having Bylsma as their NHL head coach.

He is one of the best coaches in the NHL, but he sure has a tough test in Buffalo.

Next: #6: Barry Trotz

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