The Pittsburgh Penguins are poised for a major shift across PA sports betting, with buzz growing over who will replace head coach Mike Sullivan. PennStakes.com has unveiled the latest betting hypothetical odds for the next Pittsburgh Penguins head coach, spotlighting top candidates and potential surprises. With Sidney Crosby anchoring a roster hungry for Stanley Cup glory, the next Penguins coach faces sky-high expectations.
This article dives into the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching odds, key contenders, and what each brings to the ice.
Coach | Position | Percentage Chance | Odds |
Rick Tocchet | Vancouver Canucks Head Coach | 22.2% | +350 |
David Quinn | Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant Coach | 15.4% | +550 |
Joel Quenneville | Former Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach | 12.5% | +700 |
Gerard Gallant | Former New York Rangers Head Coach | 12.5% | +700 |
David Carle | University of Denver Head Coach | 8.3% | +1100 |
Jay Woodcroft | Former Edmonton Oilers Head Coach | 6.3% | +1500 |
Todd McLellan | Former San Jose Sharks Head Coach | 6.3% | +1500 |
John Tortorella | Former Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach | 4.8% | +2000 |
The Field |
| 11.1% | +800 |
Disclaimer: These odds were developed by and are exclusive to PennStakes.com, but regulated operators offering top PA sportsbook promos will offer wagers on each NHL playoff game, plus futures betting and more.
Rick Tocchet leads the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching odds with a 22.2% chance (+350). As the Vancouver Canucks’ head coach, Tocchet has revitalized that team with a gritty, player-driven style, making him a prime candidate for the Penguins coaching job. His time as a Pittsburgh assistant during their 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup wins gives him deep ties to the organization. However, luring Tocchet from Vancouver, where he’s under contract, would have to be a bold move for Penguins GM Kyle Dubas.
David Quinn, a current Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach, holds a 15.4% chance (+550) in the next head coach odds. With prior head coaching stints at the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers, Quinn’s familiarity with the Penguins’ roster and systems makes him a strong internal option. Still, some wonder if he can ignite a veteran-heavy squad to chase another Stanley Cup
Tied at 12.5% (+700), Joel Quenneville and Gerard Gallant are seasoned choices in the Pittsburgh Penguins head coach race. Quenneville, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks, boasts unmatched credentials, but his exit amid the Kyle Beach scandal could raise red flags. Gallant, who led the Vegas Golden Knights to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, thrives in quick turnarounds, though his recent NHL stops have been less stellar.
David Carle, head coach at the University of Denver, sits at 8.3% (+1100) in the Penguins head coach odds. His knack for developing NCAA talent could boost Pittsburgh’s prospects, but his lack of NHL experience is a gamble. Jay Woodcroft and Todd McLellan, both at 6.3% (+1500), offer contrasting visions—Woodcroft’s high-energy system versus McLellan’s steady veteran approach. John Tortorella, at 4.8% (+2000), is a longshot; his intense style may not mesh with Pittsburgh’s stars.
The next Pittsburgh Penguins head coach will inherit a team with championship dreams but defensive gaps and an aging core. Whether Dubas chooses a proven winner like Tocchet or Quenneville, a bold pick like Carle, or an in-house hire like Quinn, the decision will shape the Penguins’ future as a franchise. Tocchet tops the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching odds, but the NHL is full of twists.
Also of interest: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Quarter-Century Team: The Most Impactful Players Since 2000.
USA Today photo by James Guillory.
Author
Thomas Leary is a news editor and writer for PennStakes.com. He previously spent six years at Sports Business Journal, where he helped identify emerging sectors across sports business, such as legalized gambling, and helped launch a digital newsletter division. Thomas lives in Charlotte, N.C.
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