The Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks just saw one of the top candidates for their coaching vacancies withdraw from the race, as David Carle’s three-word announcement shattered hopes in both Steel City and Vancity — including those of Sidney Crosby and Elias Pettersson, who still await news on who will lead their teams into pivotal NHL seasons.
The Penguins and Canucks are both moving on from multi-year coaching tenures — though under very different circumstances. Pittsburgh mutually parted ways with Mike Sullivan after a decade behind the bench, a tenure that delivered two Stanley Cups.
Meanwhile, Vancouver is left dealing with disappointment, as Rick Tocchet chose to step away after three seasons without adding to the Canucks’ still-empty trophy cabinet. Recent reports suggest the Canucks may turn to assistant coach Adam Foote as a potential replacement for Tocchet, though the organization is still carefully evaluating all its options.
Still, despite being on opposite coasts, both franchises find themselves in strikingly similar positions — with rosters in limbo and a head coaching vacancy looming large as the NHL calendar inches closer to the start of the new league year.
Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks waits for a face off during the first period of their NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena on November 9, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
While the playoffs may make it seem like there’s plenty of time, the offseason moves quickly. Both Crosby’s Penguins and Pettersson’s Canucks would benefit greatly from having a new bench boss in place to start shaping next season’s game plan.
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David Carle is a Pioneer
David Carle, the head coach at the University of Denver, was one of the top candidates for virtually every NHL coaching vacancy. However, the two-time NCAA national champion — who also led Team USA to back-to-back World Juniors gold medals in 2024 and 2025 — has decided to remain at the helm of the college program.
In addition to the news of Carle’s multi-year extension in Denver, the sought after head coach dropped a powerful three-word comment, which might serve as a reminder when NHL teams come knocking at his door in the future.
“Denver is home,” David Carle stated, shutting the door on any rumor linking him to an NHL opening. “For me and my family. I am honored to have the University’s support for our hockey program over the last seven years and into the future.”
Denver Pioneers Head Coach David Carle looks on after the Pioneers defeat the Minnesota State Mavericks 5-1 in the 2022 NCAA Division I Man’s Ice Hockey Championship game at TD Garden on April 09, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chasing gold medals
While Crosby could’ve beneffited greatly by Carle’s presence in Pittsburgh, he has a different objective in mind at the moment. Crosby will look to lead Team Canada to a gold medal during the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
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Oddly enough, Crosby will be in The Elongated Country, whereas Elias Pettersson won’t be joining the Tre Kronor’s National Team during the tournament which will be held in Sweden and Denmark from May 9-25.
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Pettersson will continue to recover from his injuries during the past season, which caused him to miss the final three games of the regular season with the Canucks.
