There are some job openings in the NHL coaching market, including the Anaheim Ducks. Dallas Eakins recently was relieved of his duties, after four years on the job and a 100-147-44 record. The Ducks, who won the Stanley Cup in 2007, have missed the playoffs the past five seasons. That doesn't bode well for NHL futures odds.

By NHL standards, Eakins was given a fairly long leash to make the Ducks a winner, but despite several good young players and recent high draft picks, they were not able to put things together on the ice and compete for the 2023 Stanley Cup.

There are many candidates out there for Anaheim, and we’ll sort them here and give you our best NHL odds on the favorites.

Anaheim Ducks Next Head Coach Odds

Odds are projected by our team of Bookies handicappers for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect any odds that may be available at legal betting sites or betting apps

Andrew Brunette (+350) 

Brunette helped guide the Florida Panthers to the Presidents’ Trophy last season, but never could shake his interim status and was let go by the Panthers after being swept in the second round by Tampa Bay. 

He landed with the New Jersey Devils as an associate coach to Lindy Ruff and helped lead New Jersey to its strongest season in many years. The only blemish on Brunette’s record right now was a DUI charge in Florida in February. Brunette was arrested while in a golf cart not far from his property. The case remains pending.

Brunette has a smart hockey mind, and since getting into coaching – including a stint with Minnesota as an assistant – he has been associated with winning teams. 

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Jay Leach (+400)

Currently an assistant with the Seattle Kraken, Leach is considered a bright, up-and-coming NHL coaching candidate. 

He has spent time in the Pittsburgh and Boston organizations. If the Ducks are looking more for a coach on the rise than one with a long past, Leach is certainly the top name to consider. He’s considered a “player’s coach” who listens to youngsters and veterans alike. 

He may need more seasoning overall before a team such as Anaheim gives him a shot, but Leach is someone whose name comes up a lot among coaches on the rise.

Jeff Blashill (+425) 

Currently an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Blashill coached the Detroit Red Wings from 2015-22, with an overall record of 204-261-72. His teams made the playoffs just once in his seven years there, with zero in the last six.

One of Blashill’s most favorable aspects in possibly getting this job are his ties to Anaheim GM Pat Verbeek. They worked together in management in Detroit.

Blashill’s overall record in Detroit – especially given how long he stayed in the job – is a strike against him. Yet, he’s considered a hard worker and some of the conditions he had in Detroit (aging roster) didn’t help his cause. It’s possible Verbeek gives him a second life as a head coach in Anaheim.

Mike Vellucci (+650)

An assistant with the Pittsburgh Penguins the past three years, Vellucci had a long head-coaching career with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. Pittsburgh’s late-season flameout in missing the playoffs probably doesn’t help his resume much for upcoming jobs. 

But he’s considered a top candidate among the assistants in the league. He has won two championships at minor-league levels. 

He has paid his dues in the coaching ranks, and might well be ready for his first head-coaching job in the NHL.

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Peter Laviolette (+700)

Is he too much of a retread hire at this point? A head coach of five previous NHL teams, Laviolette was dismissed recently by the Washington Capitals after missing the playoffs.

Only two of his teams have advanced past the first round in the last 11 seasons. At 58, though, he still has more gas in the tank, and his teams usually win – at least in the regular season. One strike against him is a reputation for being impatient with younger players, and that constitutes most of Anaheim’s roster. 

But maybe that’s what Anaheim needs – a drill sergeant. 

Ryan Warsofsky (+750) 

The Sharks assistant coach had some great records in the AHL and is considered a quality young candidate on the rise.

Spencer Carbery (+1000) 

An assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carbery also has a strong resume from his years coaching in the minors. At 41, he likely has a future as an NHL bench boss.

The Field (+725) 

Don’t overlook the possibility that Joel Quenneville could be given a shot. Despite an unceremonious departure from Florida last season, Coach Q may be given a chance at a comeback. 

Former Ducks player Joe Sacco, an assistant with Boston and former head coach with Colorado, is likely to be considered as well. 

Colorado assistant coach Nolan Pratt is a dark horse candidate, too.