NHL Rumors Heat Up: Could Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins Be Heading for a Shocking Midseason Shakeup?

When a franchise as storied as the Anaheim Ducks starts knocking on doors for fresh leadership, you know things are heating up behind the scenes. GM Pat Verbeek made it clear back on April 19th that the Ducks aren’t messing around—they’ve officially kicked off their quest to find a head coach who fits the bill perfectly, no rush, but no delay either. It’s not just talk; insiders like Frank Seravalli have pointed out that Anaheim is the only NHL team already deep into interviews for this coveted spot, ticking boxes and lining up meetings with remarkable urgency. Verbeek’s approach? Cast a wide net, vet thoroughly, and lock in a candidate by the end of May who can steer this team toward what it desperately requires moving forward. The Ducks are clearly hustling to shake off the offseason doldrums and bring some fresh vigor to their bench. Curious where this coaching saga leads? LEARN MORE

The Anaheim Ducks have begun interviewing head coaches

Patrick Present of The Hockey News: Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek back on April 19th on their vacant head coaching position.

“Timeline, we’re going to start the search and start to make a list immediately. I really don’t have a timeline on it. I’m going to look to hire the best candidate for this team and what it needs moving forward.”

Frank Seravalli on the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” Show Tuesday, said that the Anaheim Ducks were the only team to have started interviewing for their vacant head coaching position.

“I think Anaheim’s trying. They’re the first team that I know that has completed interviews and has more scheduled. They’re grinding away to try and make that happen.”

David Carle, Not Joel Quenneville is the Right Fit for the Anaheim Ducks

Ducks GM Verbeek has been on record saying they are going to cast a wide net on his search. The Ducks may look to have a new coach named by the end of May.

It shouldn’t take long for Mike Sullivan to find a new team

Pierre LeBrun: Five teams inquired about Mike Sullivan right after it was announced that he wouldn’t be back with the Pittsburgh Penguins next year.

Some teams might have been kicking tires, but others are serious. It won’t take him long to find a new team.

Some Pittsburgh Penguins coaching options

Josh Yohe of The Athletic: Pittsburgh Penguins president and GM Kyle Dubas will be starting a head coaching search after the Penguins parted ways with Mike Sullivan after 10 years. Names that will be coming up in their search include:

Rick Tocchet is one of the top names available now. Kirk MacDonald is the head coach of their AHL affiliate, and the Penguins have a history of promoting with from within. David Carle isn’t interested in the Chicago Blackhawks position, but would the Penguins interest him? Todd Nelson is one of the top AHL coaches. David Quinn is their current assistant coach and has NHL head coaching experience with the Shark and Rangers. Mike Vellucci is a long-term Penguins assistant but seems unlikely given the length of time he’s been with Sullivan.

NHL Rumors: Mike Sullivan Availability Changes the Head Coaching Landscape

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