Pre-Season Top 5 Jack Adams Candidates

Today we continue a five-part series, looking at top candidates for the different awards this season. Here are my top five Jack Adams contenders…

1. Guy Boucher
As I stated earlier today in Tampa Bay’s 30 in 30 preview, I do believe the Lightning are primed for a return to the playoffs. If that is indeed the case, rookie bench boss Guy Boucher should be considered a favorite for the Jack Adams. The Bolts have picked first, second, and sixth overall, respectively, in the previous three NHL drafts as they’ve battled issues all over the place within the franchise.

There is finally stability in the organization (we think), and Boucher is a part of that makeover. At 39, after successful stints in the QMJHL and AHL, he is considered one of the better young coaching ‘prospects’ in the game. If there isn’t another Phoenix-type breakout, a solid season from Boucher’s Bolts should be enough for him to get serious consideration.

2. John MacLean
The long-time player for the Devils is finally getting his chance to coach the team he played with for 14 years. John MacLean couldn’t be stepping into a better situation, taking over a team that has won two straight division titles and has Stanley Cup aspirations. Future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur in goal, Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise up front… what more could MacLean ask for?!

MacLean is expected to bring more of an offensive approach to the Devils, something entirely different from the last couple decades (most notably when Jacques Lemaire was coach). But most anticipate the transition to go smoothly as the Devils possess two go-to scoring lines. I think if the Devils win the division again, there’s a strong chance MacLean will at least be in Las Vegas as a candidate to win this award.

3. Terry Murray
I honestly do not believe Terry Murray has gotten enough credit for what he’s done with this Los Angeles Kings club. Even though he has a great group of young talent, Murray has been pushing the right buttons since being hired two years ago. Last season, Murray got the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

A lot of people think the Kings will take another step here in 2010/11. If so, that probably means they will have won the division and became one of the favorites in the Western Conference. Would that be enough for Murray to receive the credit he deserves?

4. Barry Trotz
Another coach that doesn’t get close to the credit that he deserves, Barry Trotz finally got his first nomination for the Jack Adams last year. In the last six years, only three teams have made the postseason more times than Nashville (Detroit, New Jersey, and San Jose).

A lot of the media has made a big deal out of the Predators losing Jason Arnott and Dan Hamhuis this season. Even though they won’t be missed as much as people think, it will qualify as another off-season of ‘losing talent’. Trotz may be the most underrated coach in the NHL as he gets the most out of his team year in and year out.

5. Davis Payne
After Andy Murray was fired in St. Louis, Davis Payne was thrown into the fire right away. He struggled early, but didn’t get burned too bad. In fact, he closed out the season on a strong note with the Blues, finishing 23-15-4. Payne was stripped of the interim tag and given the full-time gig after the season.

Payne’s Blues are wildly sexy pick to be a surprise team this year; why not? They boast a lot of youth that could be ready to breakout all at the same time. I like the direction this team is going, and Payne could be a candidate for this award with a successful first full season.

Honorable Mention: A. Vigneault, C. Ramsay, J. Quenneville

Photo credit: Getty Images