The NHL offseason is buzzing with coaching changes, and the hunt for new head coaches is still underway for a few teams. While many franchises have already filled their spots, three teams are still on the lookout, including the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With the head coach position still open, updates have been few and far between when it comes to the Penguins, but one NHL insider believes Pittsburgh is a little bit closer to making an appointment. The coaching carousel isn’t done spinning just yet.
Top Favorite Emerges in Pittsburgh Penguins’ Search for New Head Coach
The NHL offseason is heating up, and three teams, the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken, are closing in on new head coaching hires. As teams prepare for the upcoming draft and free agency, solidifying leadership behind the bench has become a top priority.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, three names are being considered strong candidates: Jay Woodcroft, Mitch Love, and Marco Sturm.
Per sources ; Jay Woodcroft, Mitch Love, and Marco Sturm are among the favorites as potential hires as HC for @NHLBruins @penguins and @SeattleKraken . #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/WC9CwBVOxV
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) May 27, 2025
Mitch Love is the name gaining traction, especially in connection with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Love most recently worked as an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals, focusing on defense.
While he hasn’t served as an NHL head coach before, he’s been on the radar for several coaching vacancies this offseason. The Penguins could be interested in injecting new energy and ideas into the team, and Love seems like a promising fit for that direction.
Meanwhile, Marco Sturm is being closely linked to the Seattle Kraken. Sturm has been part of the Los Angeles Kings’ organization for the past eight years and has spent the last three years as head coach of the Ontario Reign, their AHL affiliate.
He has built a strong reputation in the minors and looks ready for the next step. The Kraken, still a relatively new team, may see Sturm as a fresh, smart choice to lead their squad forward.
With the three teams nearing decisions and the offseason action about to pick up, official announcements could be right around the corner. Those appointments could also play a role in how free agency shapes up, given there are more than a few big names available as teams look to retool.
