Dec 18, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith looks on during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesAfter two tumultuous months, the NHL head coaching carousel is drawing close to a conclusion.
On Thursday, the Seattle Kraken took themselves off the market for a new bench boss, as they named Lane Lambert - formerly of the New York Islanders - their third head coach in franchise history.
And with Seattle's search officially concluded, that leaves two teams still in the mix for a new coach: the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins.
Both teams are in the later stages of their coaching search, and in both cases, news is expected by early June.
As for the Penguins - according to multiple reports - two of the names in the late-stage mix are Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love and Los Angeles Kings assistant coach D.J. Smith.
Pittsburgh's GM and POHO Kyle Dubas is conducting in-person interviews this week, and - according to Josh Yohe of The Athletic - a final decision could come as soon as the end of this week.
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