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

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