5 NHL teams who'll be next to fire their head coach

5 NHL teams who’ll be next to fire their head coach

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Paul Maurice and assistant coach Charlie Huddy of the Winnipeg Jets huddle with the team against the Florida Panthers during the third period at BB&T Center on November 14, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images /

2. Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings have the lowest point total in the NHL this year by a good margin, with 27. The Anaheim Ducks (39 points) and Ottawa Senators (40), both in a state of rebuild under first year head coaches, are next lowest. They made the playoffs in Jeff Blashill’s first season (2015-16), but this will be the fourth straight season without a playoff berth for a franchise that once had the playoffs and regular runs into June as an annual rite.

Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman came back to the franchise he played his entire career for as general manager last April, and he may have had a candidate replace Blashill fall right into his lap this week. Gerard Gallant spent the bulk of his NHL playing career with the Red Wings (nine seasons, 1984-1993), along with and alongside Yzerman of course, and the two are close friends. After being fired by Vegas, Gallant is available to be hired.

Hiring Gallant immediately would not greatly alter the Red Wings’ fortunes this season. There’s surely an argument to keep Blashill and keep losing games from those who would advocate tanking (in or out of the organization) to secure the No. 1 pick in June’s draft as well.

In terms of the next NHL team to fire their head coach, broader circumstances bump the Red Wings down a spot. But if this were a ranking of most likely team to dismiss their coach, Detroit would be in the conversation to be No. 1.

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