Early-season coaching hot seats around the NHL
Daily Faceoff's roundtable considers which NHL bench boss could be dismissed first this season. Rick Bowness, 71, is cited as a candidate in Columbus if he steps away or management changes course, while Andrew Brunette faces pressure in Nashville under a new GM. Ryan Huska in Calgary is also mentioned if the Flames' young players fail to generate enough offense.
Daily Faceoff’s roundtable framed the first coaching dismissal of 2026-27 as a question of timing and patience. Rick Bowness, at 71 the league’s oldest active coach, was cited in Columbus after repeated criticism of his players’ effort; GM Don Waddell could also decide a new voice is needed. Columbus was first to fire a coach last January, when Dean Evason was dismissed.
Andrew Brunette was described as under pressure in Nashville, now in his fourth season and working under new GM Chris MacFarland with an aging roster and limited young impact. Ryan Huska in Calgary was also mentioned: in his fourth year, he has yet to reach the playoffs, and the Flames’ young players must produce more offense.
Coaching changes could affect players’ development and job security for assistants, while fans and local media may see a shift in team identity and engagement. In franchise cities, sudden dismissals may influence game-day spending and community mood, though such effects are likely modest and short-lived.