Peter Chiarelli and Kevin Maxwell leave the Blues
Darren Dreger: Peter Chiarelli (VP of hockey ops) has left the St. Louis Blues and is a candidate for the Nashville Predators GM position.
Kevin Maxwell (pro scout and AHL GM) has left the Blues as well and is expected to rejoin the New York Rangers in a management position.
The Nashville Predators are in no rush to name a new GM
Pierre LeBrun: There is the sense that the Nashville Predators are not rushing anything when it comes to their GM search. They have spoken to around 15 different people and will take as long as needed until they find the right period. A new GM could be hired before the draft in June, but if it takes longer than that, they have no issue with current GM Barry Trotz running the draft.
Rick Bowness and Lindy Ruff will need new deals
TSN: So Rick Bowness has retired from coaching two years ago because of his and his wife’s health. He’s obviously back leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a playoff spot, and Pierre LeBrun believes that he wants to come back next season. The 71-year-old will need a new deal as he had just agreed to finish the season.
Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has the Sabres in a playoff spot, and the 66-year-old also needs a new contract. Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen wouldn’t talk about it, and Ruff texted that he hasn’t thought that far ahead and is just taking it one game at a time.
Coaches with a year left and a couple who could be on the hot seat
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Coaches who will be entering the final year of their contract next season include Joel Quenneville (Ducks), Jared Bednar (Avalanche), John Hynes (Wild), Martin St. Louis (Canadiens), Andrew Brunette (Predators), Ryan Warsofsky (Sharks), Andre Tourigney (Utah), Bruce Cassidy (Vegas), Spencer Carbery (Capitals), and Scott Arniel (Jets).
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube is under contract through 2027-28. Leafs GM Brad Treliving has a year left on his contract, and his future isn’t known. Berube does have a good relationship with the CEO and president, Keith Pelley.
What is Next for Gavin McKenna, Porter Martone, and Jonathan Castagna?
Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch signed a three-year contract extension in October. He’s led them to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, but there has been some discontent with their top players.
Pete DeBoer is looking to coach again and will likely be coaching an NHL team next season.
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