Three Coaches, One Prestigious Jack Adams Award

This year's finalists - Scott Arniel, Martin St. Louis, and Spencer Carbery for Jack Adams Award which celebrates the NHL's most outstanding head coach. They represent three distinct coaching philosophies that delivered remarkable results. Their achievements highlight how leadership can reshape a team's trajectory in professional hockey.
Each nominee brought something unique to their franchise. Arniel established dominance, St. Louis engineered a resurgence, and Carbery orchestrated an overachievement. Their collective success makes this one of the most compelling Jack Adams races in recent memory.


Scott Arniel's first season with the Winnipeg Jets. This became an immediate success story. He guided the franchise to its first-ever Presidents' Trophy. Along with 56 wins and 116 points., the Jets' consistency under his leadership was unmatched. Throughout the regular season.
His structured approach transformed Winnipeg into a complete team. The Jets excelled in both offensive production and defensive responsibility, as Arniel's ability to implement his system so effectively in his debut season. This makes him a formidable candidate for the award.


Martin St. Louis continued his remarkable transition. From Hall of Fame player to elite NHL coach. He led the Canadiens to their first playoff appearance since 2021. Surpassing all preseason expectations. Montreal's 91-point season. This represented significant progress for the rebuilding franchise.
His player-friendly approach resonated. Particularly with Montreal's young core. Stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield reached new levels. Under his guidance. St. Louis proved that communication and trust. The Canadiens honored Montreal's rich hockey tradition. St. Louis balanced this offensive creativity. Along with improved defensive structure. His nomination reflects how quickly he's established himself among the coaching elite.

Spencer Carbery exceeded all expectations in his second season with the Capitals. Washington's 111-point campaign and second-place overall finish stunned the hockey world. Carbery maximized the potential of both veterans and young players throughout the lineup.
His tactical adjustments throughout the season kept opponents guessing. Special teams became a Washington strength under his guidance. The Capitals' power play and penalty kill both ranked. Among the league's best.
Read more: Mitch Marner: The rise of an NHL superstar

The Jack Adams Award often rewards coaches who deliver unexpected success. This year's finalists all fit that description in different ways. Arniel turned contenders into dominators, St. Louis accelerated a rebuild, and Carbery defied projections.
Each coach transformed their team's identity. Arniel established structure, St. Louis fostered creativity, and Carbery developed resilience. Their approaches differed, but their results were equally impressive.
The winner will ultimately be decided by which story resonates most with voters. Some may value Winnipeg's dominance, others Montreal's resurgence, or Washington's overachievement. All three coaches have already cemented their status as elite tacticians.
This year's award recognizes more than just wins. It celebrates leadership that inspires teams to reach new heights. Whether it's Arniel's system, St. Louis' mentorship, or Carbery's adaptability, the NHL's coaching bar has been raised.
The winner will join an exclusive fraternity of hockey's best minds. But all three finalists have already proven they belong among the NHL's coaching elite. Their seasons serve as case studies in effective leadership at hockey's highest level.