Which coaches have had the biggest impact on their new teams?
Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. James Guillory-Imagn Images
Coaching impact is always tough to evaluate, as it’s hard to differentiate between when a team is improving due to roster improvements and good fortune, or if they’re improving because the coach has good systems in place and is working well with the players. It’s why some great coaches have yet to win the Jack Adams Award.
But which coaches hired over the summer have already made an impact on their new team? Steve Peters joined Daily Faceoff Live to talk about Jeff Blashill and Rick Tocchet’s impacts on their respective teams in the Film Room.
Steve Peters: I think the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks are the two teams that I think their coach has had the biggest influence on changing the structure/culture of what’s going on in those cities.
The Chicago Blackhawks ended up with [Anders] Sorenson behind the bench to end the season, and everybody knew he was a lame duck coach and he was on his way out. I don’t know if that was the perfect way to start building that culture. Blashill comes from Tampa Bay where he’s been for several years now, and I think he’s been able to instill this “we’re all in this together” mentality.
You see this Chicago Blackhawks team really coming together now. And I think they understand, “this is the coach, this is the way we’re going to play, we’re going to defend as well as we can, but we are going to use our team speed to play the other side of the ice”. So I think Blashill has really put his identity on this team in Chicago.
When you look at Rick Tocchet and what they’ve done in Philadelphia. I know they’re way ahead of where they were a year ago, but I think over time, you’re starting to see these players play a little bit more free.
I really like John Tortorella, I think he’s an outstanding coach, but Tocchet’s approach to this team is a little different. Tocchet is a one-on-one coach who wants to spend more time with players and help them get to their best, and it’s through positivity. I think you’ve seen it in Trevor Zegras’ game. I think he’s starting to play better. [Matvei] Michkov will come along I think, but you’re seeing guys like Noah Cates and Bobby Brink are playing so much better in Philadelphia.
Although I don’t think either one’s a playoff team this year, I do think you’re seeing these coaching staffs help these teams be better and take steps forward through their rebuilds.
You can watch the full episode here…
Yankees Have Easy Decision With Jonathan Loáisiga's Contract
Jun 16, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the tenth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees don't have to think too hard about whether or not to pick up Jonathan Loáisiga's club option for the 2026 campaign.
Yankees Likely Moving On from Loáisiga
While going through New York's 40-man roster before free agency begins next month, the New York Post's Greg Joyce alluded to the fact that the club is leaning towards declining Loáisiga's $5 million option, which would result in the right-hander hitting the open market.
"A $5 million club option is unlikely to be picked up for the reliever who could never stay healthy for long enough," Joyce wrote.
Loáisiga's History with Yankees
After being released as a minor leaguer by the San Francisco Giants in May 2015, the Yankees signed Loáisiga in February 2016.
He underwent Tommy John surgery that same year, but he returned in 2017 and went on to make his big-league debut for the team in 2018. Over nine appearances (four starts) as a rookie, Loáisiga logged a 5.11 ERA in 24 2/3 innings.
It wasn't until 2021 that we would become a true mainstay for the Yankees, however. That season, Loáisiga completed 57 outings and recorded a 2.17 ERA to go with 3.3 bWAR and a 2.58 FIP.
He remained a solid contributor out of New York's bullpen over the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, posting a 3.84 ERA in 65 2/3 frames during that stretch, but he tore the UCL in his right elbow at the beginning of 2024 and underwent season-ending surgery.
Loáisiga re-signed with the team last offseason on a one-year deal worth $5 million that includes his impending option for 2026. He put up a 4.25 ERA in 29 2/3 innings, though he sustained a right flexor strain that ended his year in August.
Should Yankees Keep Loáisiga?
Though Loáisiga has proven himself to be a borderline elite reliever at times in the past, New York simply can't hold any sort of confidence in his durability moving forward.
His advanced metrics remained strong this season, with a 40.6 percent chase rate and 86.6 mph average exit velocity serving as prime examples, but that's all for naught if Loáisiga can't consistently stay on the field.
The Yankees will have a number of openings to fill in their bullpen this offseason as the likes of Luke Weaver and Devin Williams reach free agency, but just because they need relievers doesn't mean keeping Loáisiga for $5 million should be in the cards despite his obvious talent.
