5 candidates who can replace John Hynes as New Jersey Devils’ head coach

1. Dan Bylsma

There is the potential for a reunion between former Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero and former Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma in New Jersey. Shero, as current general manager of the Devils, could bring his former head coach in Bylsma from their time in Pittsburgh into the fold.

Bylsma is currently an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings, and has been since 2018. As a head coach, Bylsma’s record sits at 320-190-55 with six playoff appearances and a Stanley Cup victory in his first year with the Penguins. The Penguins flourished under Bylsma in the regular season, but were unable to get back to the Stanley Cup after his first season with the team.

Bylsma hasn’t been in the head coaching circuit since the 2016–17 season when he was with the Buffalo Sabres for his second season ever under the .500 mark. His connection to Shero makes him a prime target for the Devils, as is his coaching experience that helped him win a Stanley Cup in his first season with the Penguins.

It wouldn’t take much, it seems, for Shero to coax Bylsma out of Detroit, especially with the possibility of a full time head coaching position as a step up from assistant. Bylsma is often cited as a potential replacement for any vacant coaching position, but his relationship with Shero is for sure of note in this situation as the Devils look for a head coach.