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Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper reacts from the bench during third period NHL playoff hockey action against the Montreal Canadiens in Montreal on Sunday, April 26, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
By The Canadian Press

Cooper, Muse, Ruff named finalists for NHL’s coach of the year award

May 1, 2026 | 10:34 AM

NEW YORK — Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Lindy Ruff of the Buffalo Sabres are the finalists for the 2025-26 Jack Adams Award, given annually to the NHL’s coach of the year.

Cooper led Tampa Bay to its ninth consecutive playoff berth and became the second-fastest coach in league history to reach 600 career wins.

Muse guided Pittsburgh to a second-place Metropolitan Division finish and its first playoff appearance since 2021-22 in his rookie campaign while managing an NHL-high 44 players throughout the schedule.

Ruff helped Buffalo to its first post-season berth since 2010-11 and first division title since 2009-10.

A five-time Jack Adams finalist, he won the award with the Sabres in 2006.

Cooper is a three-time finalist seeking his first win. Muse is aiming to be the first rookie coach to capture the honour since Patrick Roy with the Colorado Avalanche in 2013-14.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press



by The Canadian Press