Promising AHL Coaches for NHL Promotion
When an NHL team decides to part ways with its head coach, the focus often shifts quickly to potential successors. While many franchises look to experienced candidates who have been out of the NHL coaching scene for a year or two, there is an alternative route: promoting talent from the American Hockey League (AHL). Historically, numerous influential NHL coaches began their careers in the AHL, with 21 of the 32 current NHL head coaches having experience in the minor leagues. This includes notable names such as Paul Maurice, Jon Cooper, and Joel Quenneville, all of whom have led their teams to Stanley Cup victories.
Potential Candidates
Here are several promising AHL head coaches who could be in line for promotion to the NHL soon, listed without any particular order.
Manny Malhotra, Abbotsford Canucks
After securing a Calder Cup championship in his inaugural season as a head coach, Manny Malhotra has made significant strides in his career. His leadership brought the Abbotsford Canucks their first championship title since relocating in 2021. Historically, AHL coaches who achieve such feats often find themselves stepping up to NHL roles, as illustrated by Sheldon Keefe’s rise from the Toronto Marlies to the Maple Leafs. Although recent hires may signal Malhotra’s promotion to the Vancouver Canucks is not imminent, his impressive record is undoubtedly on the radar of other teams.
Geordie Kinnear, Charlotte Checkers
With years of coaching experience in the AHL under his belt, Geordie Kinnear has excelled as the head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, guiding them to the Calder Cup final recently. At age 52, Kinnear has established a successful track record, having led his teams to a solid performance with a playoff appearance nearly every year except the pandemic-interrupted 2019-20 season. His ability to maintain a winning percentage of over .590 since 2021-22 makes him a strong candidate for an NHL coaching job soon.
Trent Vogelhuber, Cleveland Monsters
At the younger end of the spectrum, Trent Vogelhuber has shown promising potential as a coach with the Cleveland Monsters. Although he faced a challenging start, he has led the Monsters to the playoffs for two consecutive seasons following a previous non-playoff year. Vogelhuber’s leadership style has transformed the team into a strong competitor, making it likely that NHL franchises will soon take an interest in this up-and-coming coach.
Karl Taylor, Milwaukee Admirals
Since taking charge of the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2018-19 season, Karl Taylor has demonstrated remarkable consistency, guiding his team to playoff contention every year except during the COVID-19 pandemic that canceled the playoffs. With a stellar record of 41-14-8 in the season that was interrupted, Taylor is firmly on the radar of NHL management, especially given his track record of leading the Admirals to deep playoff runs.
Ryan Mougenel, Providence Bruins
Ryan Mougenel might be poised for a breakout season with the Providence Bruins, particularly with a roster featuring several promising players. His coaching tenure has been marked by consistency, including achieving three consecutive seasons with over 40 wins and playoff appearances. If his team performs as expected, he will likely find himself considered for an NHL position before long.
Conclusion
As the NHL landscape continues to evolve, the trend of promoting coaches from the AHL reflects the increasing value placed on developing talent within the league’s ranks. Keep an eye on these rising stars who could soon make their mark at the highest level of professional hockey.
