Over the years, the NHL has seen countless great coaches who’ve left their mark on the game, leading teams with passion, strategy, and leadership. From dynasties to dramatic turnarounds, many have achieved incredible success behind the bench.
However, when it comes to the absolute best, five truly stand above the rest. These elite coaches did not just win games. They shaped eras, built legacies, and changed how hockey is played. Their names are etched in Stanley Cup history, and their impact goes far beyond the scoreboard. While many have been great, only a few can truly be called the greatest.
1. Scotty Bowman
With 9 Stanley Cups as a head coach, Bowman is the undisputed king of NHL coaching. He led three different franchises to championships. The Canadiens, Penguins, and Red Wings. This showcased his unmatched ability to adapt to any roster or era. Known for his brilliant hockey mind and tough coaching style, Bowman finished his career with an astonishing 1,244 wins. Still the most in NHL history.
2. Al Arbour
The heart and soul of the New York Islanders’ dynasty, Arbour coached them to four consecutive Stanley Cups (1980–1983). He was a master of discipline and system-based hockey, known for building a team culture that blended talent and tenacity. With 782 career wins, Arbour remains one of the most respected and beloved figures in NHL coaching history.
3. Joel Quenneville
“Coach Q“ ranks second all-time in wins (969) and led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, 2015), breaking a decades-long drought for the franchise. Known for his calm demeanor, tactical defensive play, and ability to manage superstar egos, Quenneville became a model of consistent success in the salary-cap era.
4. Toe Blake
A legend behind the bench and on the ice, Blake coached the Montreal Canadiens to 8 Stanley Cups between 1956 and 1968. His leadership helped guide stars like Maurice Richard and Jean Béliveau during one of hockey’s most dominant eras. His blend of discipline and tactical brilliance laid the groundwork for the Canadiens’ iconic legacy.
5. Glen Slather
Though more famous for his role as GM of the Oilers’ dynasty, Glen Sather also coached Edmonton to 4 Stanley Cups in the 1980s. His ability to manage a high-flying, star-loaded roster — featuring Gretzky, Messier, Kurri, and Coffey — was pivotal to their success. Sather helped revolutionize the speed and creativity of the modern game.
In Closing
These five coaches were monumental figures in NHL history, each leaving an unforgettable legacy that helped shape the league into what it is today. Their success wasn’t just about wins and championships. It was about innovation, leadership, and setting new standards for excellence.
Whether building dynasties, revolutionizing coaching strategies, or mentoring generations of players, these legends paved the way for future coaches and elevated the game on every level. Their influence can still be felt in today’s NHL, proving that their greatness went far beyond the bench.
