5 NHL coaches who could be on the hot seat by Thanksgiving
By Kyle McKenna
4. John Hynes – New Jersey Devils
A lot has changed over the past four seasons and counting for the New Jersey Devils since Ray Shero took over as general manager in 2015-16. New Jersey has acquired star-power skaters via trades with the likes of Taylor Hall and P.K. Subban, while drafting quality talent in the process too.
Devils head coach John Hynes has been Shero’s only bench boss for Jersey and with all the offseason hype, there’s more pressure than ever on Hynes to get the Devils back into the Stanley Cup playoffs; especially given the upgraded roster over the offseason.
The fifth-year coach is in a unique situation with his roster, though. There are all-star caliber skaters, mentioned above, and then there’s a mix of some upcoming youngsters who are expected to transform into superstars – such former No. 1 overall picks Nico Hischier (2017) and Jack Hughes (2019).
Let’s not forget about potential 30-goal scorers in wingers, Kyle Palmieri and Wayne Simmonds, first-year NHLer Nikita Gusev.
The Devils have been in a “rebuild” mode since Hynes took over, but it seems that it’s playoffs or bust come April 2020. At the time of writing, New Jersey was winless through its first six games (0-4-2), and if that trend continues by Thanksgiving – is it time for the Devils to part ways with Hynes?
Given how competitive the Atlantic Division looks this season, the Metropolitan Division may only send three teams to the playoffs, and right now, it doesn’t look promising for New Jersey.
Note, the Devils have only clinched a playoff berth once (2017-18) since reaching the Stanley Cup final in 2011-12.