The Jack Adams Award goes to the coach of the year but sometimes it’s hard to know how the voters will cast their ballots. As usual, several new faces behind teams’ benches, including some familiar ones who have just changed zip codes. With that being said, it’s time to check out some of the contenders in 2025:
Sheldon Keefe, New Jersey (+575)
Sheldon Keefe may be parachuting into one of the best coaching spots in the league. The Devils are considered one of the favorites to win the Cup but last year was a disaster due to injuries and poor goaltending. Well, Keefe has a healthy roster and the Devils acquired Jacob Markstrom to be the starting goalie. Keefe had a record of 212-97-40 during the regular season with the Leafs but a lack of playoff success ended his tenure in Toronto. New Jersey underperformed in 2024 but with Keefe at the helm the Devils should bounce back and put the head coach in a position to take this award.
Andrew Brunette, Nashville (+800)
Andrew Brunette was named a finalist last year after a tremendous second half where the Predators made the playoffs. And next season could be even better after being handed an array of talent over the summer through free agency. Nashville signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and re-signed Juuse Saros, who is one of the top goalies in the league. The Preds didn’t lose any key players which is great for Brunette as he chases the Adams Trophy this season.
Jon Cooper, Tampa Bay (+1500)
This longshot pick is only out of respect to one of the best coaches in the last decade. Jon Cooper has never won the Jack Adams during his 10 seasons with Tampa. His record is incredible, 521-271-72, two division titles, four trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, and two Cup wins. With Steven Stamkos moving on, if the Lightning have another 100-point season, you’d have to think Cooper will be in the conversation and at these odds, it wouldn’t be a bad bet.
Andre Tourigny, Utah (+1500) Another dark horse could be the NHL’s newest team, well, sort of. The Utah Hockey Club, formerly, the Arizona Coyotes will look to make an impression in Salt Lake City. Utah added some good pieces including Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino. They are young and hungry and Tourigny could have this team challenging for a playoff spot, and that could be good enough to garner some votes for coach of the year.
Jack Adams Trophy Odds
Sheldon Keefe NJ +575
Andrew Brunette NSH +800
Travis Green OTT +950
Kris Knoblauch EDM +1000
Lindy Ruff BUF +1000
Craig Berube TOR +1100
Andre Tourigny UTA +1500
John Hynes MIN +1500
Spencer Carbery WSH +1500
Jon Cooper TB +1500
Lindy Ruff BUF +1600
Peter DeBoer DAL +2000
Peter Laviolette NYR +2000
Dan Bylsma SEA +2500
