Late-Season Firings and Surprise Hires Shake the League
Written By Gina Anton
The final stretch of the 2025–26 NHL season has erupted into chaos. In a matter of days, multiple franchises have made dramatic leadership changes, signaling urgency, frustration, and a willingness to take bold risks with playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Islanders Make Stunning Coaching Change
The most jarring move came from the New York Islanders, who dismissed head coach Patrick Roy in the final days of the regular season. The decision followed a four-game skid that put the team’s playoff position in jeopardy, forcing management to act decisively.
In a surprising move, the Islanders named Peter DeBoer as head coach. Known for guiding multiple teams on deep postseason runs, DeBoer now steps into one of the most pressure-filled roles in hockey, with virtually no time to implement changes.
The move reportedly caught players off guard, given Roy’s presence and experience, but team leadership emphasized the need for a new direction at a critical moment in the standings.
"Guys like Pete DeBoer don't stay on the market very long," General Manager Mathieu Darche said. "His pedigree, I mean, he went to five of the last six conference finals. He's had success everywhere he's been. He's a very structured coach.”
Devils Part Ways with Longtime GM
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils made a significant front-office change, relieving general manager Tom Fitzgerald of his duties after nearly six seasons.
Despite a promising rebuild that included a playoff appearance in 2023, the Devils are poised to miss the postseason this year. Ownership’s decision signals a broader organizational reset, with expectations of further changes to come, both behind the bench and on the roster.
“After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said. “I am incredibly appreciative to David, Josh Harris, and the entire New Jersey Devils organization for being a part of my life for the past decade. The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal.”
Maple Leafs Enter Pivotal Transition
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also navigating uncertainty after moving on from general manager Brad Treliving.
With a new GM search underway, questions loom about the future of head coach Craig Berube and the long-term direction of the franchise. Star center Auston Matthews is expected to play a central role in whatever comes next, whether that means doubling down on the current core or considering a more dramatic reshaping of the roster.
The coming offseason could mark one of the most consequential periods in recent Maple Leafs history.
"He cares about everyone in that locker room, and everything he did he did to try to give us the best chance possible to go out there and compete," Maple Leafs forward John Tavares said. "(He) put us in the best position to have success ... so as a team and individually, it's certainly disappointing that it's come to this."
League-Wide Trend of Instability
These moves are not isolated. Across the NHL, teams are showing a growing willingness to make drastic changes without waiting for the offseason.
The Vegas Golden Knights recently parted ways with head coach Bruce Cassidy, while the Los Angeles Kings made their own coaching change earlier in the season by dismissing Jim Hiller.
Overall, expectations are higher than ever, and patience is in short supply.
As the regular season winds down, the NHL finds itself in a period of rapid transformation. This wave of firings and hires underscores a league-wide shift toward immediate accountability, where coaches and executives are increasingly judged not just on long-term vision, but on short-term results.
