Which NHL Teams Could Land Pete DeBoer? Four Franchises Eye Coaching Shake-Up

Pete DeBoer, one of the NHL's most experienced coaches, is back in the spotlight as several franchises consider major bench changes for the upcoming offseason. After parting ways with his previous team, DeBoer's proven track record and playoff pedigree have made him a top candidate for clubs aiming to shift their trajectory. Multiple reports have linked four franchises in particular to potential interest in bringing DeBoer aboard, reflecting both his reputation and the league's rapidly evolving coaching carousel.

• DeBoer has reached the Stanley Cup Final twice, with the New Jersey Devils (2012) and San Jose Sharks (2016).
• He boasts a career regular-season record above .550, according to Hockey-Reference.com.
• His teams have made the playoffs in 10 of his 15 NHL seasons behind the bench.

Both USA Today and Yahoo Sports have identified four teams as likely suitors for DeBoer's services. While the outlets do not specify the exact clubs in their headlines, league insiders have pointed to organizations with underperforming rosters and high expectations as logical fits. The appeal of DeBoer lies in his ability to quickly establish structure, adapt on the fly, and coax improved results from veteran cores.

Teams potentially in the mix are those with recent coaching vacancies or with head coaches on expiring contracts. Historically, DeBoer has been hired by teams seeking to rebound after missing the playoffs or suffering early exits. His immediate impact is well documented — in his first season with the Devils, Sharks, and Vegas Golden Knights, each team reached the conference final or beyond.

DeBoer’s reputation for revitalizing power plays and implementing disciplined defensive systems makes him an attractive option for franchises seeking a swift turnaround. His career playoff mark includes:

• 82 playoff games coached
• 46 postseason victories
• Two Stanley Cup Final appearances

The 2026 coaching market is expected to be robust, with several teams evaluating leadership after falling short of expectations. DeBoer’s name consistently surfaces near the top of candidate lists for franchises hoping to bridge the gap between regular season success and deep playoff runs.

The off-season will reveal which organizations move decisively to secure DeBoer’s services, potentially reshaping the NHL landscape and fueling speculation about which club will benefit most from his next chapter behind the bench.