A little over halfway through the year, teams have started to separate themselves and so have the coaches. The Jack Adams Award favorites are starting to show as well. This award is given to the coach judged to be the most impactful to his club’s success. Most recently Rod Brind’Amour won the award last year for his success with the Carolina Hurricanes. Named after the long time coach and general manager of the Red Wings, this award has been given since 1974. Only once has this award been given to the same coach in consecutive seasons. The top teams have come alive, and some coaches have lost their jobs while others locked in extensions already. However, here are the top coaches thus far for each division.
Metropolitan: Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes
As mentioned above, there has only ever been one coach to earn this award in consecutive seasons. Brind’Amour has a very good chance at achieving this. After finishing top of their division and third overall last season, they were knocked out of the playoffs by the eventual Cup-winning Lighting. After such success last year, they have picked up right where they left off. Currently 3 points behind Pittsburgh in the Division, but they have 4 more games to play than them. They also currently sit near the top of the League in goal difference with a +52. Rod has been able to get the most out of his players year after year, and this time is no exception. If they can stay healthy and keep up this play, he may earn this honor once again.
A runner-up in this division is Mike Sullivan with Pittsburgh.
Atlantic: Andrew Brunette, Florida Panthers
The up-and-coming Panthers have made some impressive moves to get to the top of the standings. They were forced into a coaching change shortly into the season due to Joel Quenneville’s’ ties to the Blackhawks. When the opportunity arose Andrew stepped up and it felt like the team didn’t miss a step early on. Just like the Hurricanes, they are top of the leader board when it comes to goal differential with a +55. His ability to take over the program and keep them on track certainly earns him a spot as a possible Jack Adams winner.
A runner-up in this division is Sheldon Keefe with Toronto.
Central: Dean Evason, Minnesota Wild
Dean and his staff earned extensions just before the new year began. The competitive team from the state of hockey has turned into a serious Cup contender thanks to him. A stellar home record of 16-3-1 so far this season has helped boost them to second in the division. They are 9 points out of first but do have a few games in hand to make up that ground. Overall the last few seasons have seen great development and if they are able to finish strong in the difficult Central Division, Dean very well could earn this award.
A runner-up in this division is Jared Bednar with Colorado.
Pacific: Darryl Sutter, Calgary Flames
Calgary has sprung to life after a tough season last year. Darryl has really boosted morale and confidence in this team. They are currently on a 7 game win streak which brought them to the top of the division. One reason is that they have an outstanding +48 goal differential. According to the odds, he is a favorite to win.
A runner-up in this division is Dallas Eakins with Anaheim.
My Winner
Each of these coaches has done an outstanding job this season and deserves recognition. Of course, there can only be one winner, and right now my favorite to win it is Dean Evason with the Wild. Their development over the past season and their strong play so far this year proves he is a strong coach and if they continue their play they could not only win the Cup but Dean could win some hardware for himself. The final stretch of the season is here, and award season will be here soon.
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