NHL Coach Salary: How Much Do NHL Coaches Make?

NHL Coach Salary: How Much Does NHL Coach Make?

NHL coaches earn anywhere from $1 million to $5 million, their salaries veiled by contract intricacies. While some keep mum about their earnings, a few shed light on their lucrative deals.

Hey there, fellow hockey enthusiasts! Have you ever found yourself wondering about the hefty paychecks of NHL coaches? Well, you’re not alone in this curiosity. Turns out, many folks out there are itching to know just how much these strategists behind the bench rake in. But let me tell you, it’s not as simple as scoring a slapshot goal. The nitty-gritty details of coach salaries often remain shrouded in secrecy, making them a bit trickier to pin down than a breakaway goal.

Table of Contents:

Peeling Back the Ice: Where’s the Scoop on NHL Coach Salaries?

Okay, so you’re probably wondering: if NHL player salaries are as transparent as a freshly Zambonied ice surface, why is the coach’s compensation package a bit more like a snowstorm? Great question! Unlike players, whose earnings are laid bare for all to see, coach salaries play a game of hide and seek. These figures aren’t officially published, leaving us to uncover the truth like dedicated hockey sleuths.

Chasing Down the Numbers

So, where do we even start when it comes to figuring out just how much NHL coaches earn? The inside scoop often comes courtesy of local reporters who brave the cold to get us the details. Yeah, it’s a bit like trying to find a puck in the flurry of a high-speed game. But these dedicated journalists manage to pull back the curtain on those elusive contracts.

Check out These Best Hockey Equipment

Cracking the Salary Code: What Do NHL Coaches Actually Earn?

Alright, let’s get to the heart of the matter—those dollar signs. NHL coach salaries aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal; they come in a range that could rival a Zamboni’s turning radius. On average, these brainy bench bosses bring home a cool $2.5 to $3.0 million USD. And believe it or not, that’s just the middle ground. Some big-name coaches can command a jaw-dropping $5 million, while others settle for a (still impressive) $1 million paycheck.

A Gold-Plated Safety Net: The Beauty of Guaranteed Contracts

Ever heard the phrase “playing it safe”? Well, in the coaching world, they’ve got it down to a science. NHL coaches enjoy the comfort of guaranteed contracts. That means if they sign on for a set number of years, they’re getting paid for that full stretch—no matter what. Yep, even if they’re handed a pink slip faster than you can say “hat trick,” the paycheck keeps coming.

The Hot Seat: NHL Coaches and Their Tenuous Job Security

Here’s the thing about coaching in the NHL: it’s a bit like skating on thin ice. Coaches are well aware that their tenure isn’t always the longest. While some might stick around for a respectable five-year run, others find themselves benched after just a couple of seasons. It’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it.

The ‘Adams Curse’ and the Coach Carousel

Picture this: you’ve just been named Coach of the Year, celebrated for your hockey IQ and leadership. But watch out, because the so-called “Adams Curse” might be lurking around the corner. Winning that prestigious title often seems to attract a less-than-ideal follow-up season. It’s like the hockey gods have a sense of humor.

Behind the Scenes of the Coaches’ Earnings Game

So, how do we manage to get the lowdown on these secretive salaries? Well, it’s a bit like assembling a puzzle with missing pieces. While we don’t have all the figures neatly lined up, we’re piecing together what we can. Here’s a sneak peek into the world of NHL coach earnings:

Coaches’ Salary Tracker: Who’s Making What in the NHL?

Team	Coach	Contract Length	Salary
Anaheim Ducks	Dallas Eakins	4 years starting in 2019-20	N/A
Boston Bruins	Jim Montgomery	3 years starting in 2022-23	$2 million/year
Chicago Blackhawks	Luke Richardson	4 years starting in 2022-23	$1.5 million/year
Dallas Stars	Peter DeBoer	4 years starting in 2022-23	$4.25 million/year
Florida Panthers	Paul Maurice	3 years starting 2022-23	$3.9 million/year
Los Angeles Kings	Todd McLellan	5 years starting 2019-20	$5 million/year
Montreal Canadiens	Marty St.Louis	3 years starting in 2022-23	$3 million/year
New York Rangers	Gerard Gallant	4 years starting in 2021-22	$3.5 million/year
Philadelphia Flyers	John Tortorella	4 years starting 2022-23	$4 million/year
Tampa Bay Lightning	Jon Cooper	3 year extension starting 2021-22	$3.5-4 million/year
Vancouver Canucks	Bruce Boudreau	2 years starting 2021-22	$2.5 million/year
Vegas Golden Knights	Bruce Cassidy	5 years starting 2022-23	$4.5 million/year
Washington Capitals	Peter Laviolette	3 years starting 2020-21	$4.9 million/year
Winnipeg Jets	Rick Bowness	2 years starting 2022-23	$2.5 million/year

A Few Loose Ends and a Call for Help

Now, before you rush to update your fantasy hockey draft picks based on these numbers, there’s a catch. The coaching world has its quirks. Interim coaches, for instance, step up on a trial basis after a head coach’s departure. And guess what? Their salaries are like the mystery flavor of hockey. We’re not sure, but we’re pretty sure they’re getting a nice bump from their assistant roles.

Final Whistle: Shedding Light on a Shadowy Corner of the NHL

And there you have it, folks. The hidden world of NHL coach salaries isn’t quite as elusive as a well-dangled puck, but it’s certainly not broadcasted on the Jumbotron either. While we may not have a complete playbook on every coach’s paycheck, we’re getting closer to solving this salary puzzle one local reporter scoop at a time. So, the next time you catch a glimpse of a coach strategizing behind the bench, remember, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to those crisp dollar bills.

See Also:

5/5 - (1 vote)