With the upcoming NHL season set to begin, scrutiny will intensify on several head coaches whose leadership will face immediate examination as teams take to the ice. Analysts highlight a group of bench bosses whose performance will be under a magnifying glass from the first drop of the puck. The pressure to deliver results will be particularly acute for those entering their first full season in charge or those rebuilding programs. Expectations and fan demands will shape early evaluations of how these coaches navigate challenges in a competitive league.

As the NHL season approaches, Jim Parsons looks at a few head coaches around the league that will be under the microscope from the moment the puck drops in 2026-27.