2026 Jack Adams Award Race Heats Up With Comeback Coaches, Cinderella Stories
Y
Yahoo!
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Yahoo!. Read the full original article here →
The race for the 2026 Jack Adams Award is heating up, spotlighting several coaches who have led their teams to unexpected success this season. Notable among them are Florida Panthers' Paul Maurice and Arizona Coyotes' André Tourigny, who have transformed their respective squads into playoff contenders. Maurice, after guiding the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final last year, has continued to inspire his team, emphasizing a blend of resilience and skill that has revitalized the roster.
Meanwhile, Tourigny’s Coyotes, often viewed as underdogs, are making headlines with their promising performance. His approach has fostered growth among younger players, showcasing the importance of a strong mentorship. The juxtaposition of these coaches illustrates the fluctuating dynamics within the NHL, as teams rise and fall based on leadership and player performance.
As the season progresses, other coaches like Lindy Ruff of the New Jersey Devils are also gaining traction in this award race. Ruff has led the Devils to compete among the top teams in the league, building on the talents of players like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. The increasing competitiveness of the league means that the Jack Adams Award, which honors the coach of the year, is more sought after than ever, with many candidates stepping up their game amid intense competition.
As the playoffs approach, it will be fascinating to see which coaches can maintain their winning momentum and possibly secure their place among the best in the NHL, all while developing their teams in preparation for the postseason surge.
Meanwhile, Tourigny’s Coyotes, often viewed as underdogs, are making headlines with their promising performance. His approach has fostered growth among younger players, showcasing the importance of a strong mentorship. The juxtaposition of these coaches illustrates the fluctuating dynamics within the NHL, as teams rise and fall based on leadership and player performance.
As the season progresses, other coaches like Lindy Ruff of the New Jersey Devils are also gaining traction in this award race. Ruff has led the Devils to compete among the top teams in the league, building on the talents of players like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. The increasing competitiveness of the league means that the Jack Adams Award, which honors the coach of the year, is more sought after than ever, with many candidates stepping up their game amid intense competition.
As the playoffs approach, it will be fascinating to see which coaches can maintain their winning momentum and possibly secure their place among the best in the NHL, all while developing their teams in preparation for the postseason surge.