Ranking The NHL's Three Jack Adams Award Finalists

The NHL revealed the three finalists for the Jack Adams Award on Friday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning's Jon Cooper, Pittsburgh Penguins' Dan Muse and Buffalo Sabres' Lindy Ruff are in the running for the coach of the year award.

The Jack Adams Award is given "to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success." This honor is voted on by the members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association.

With all three of these Eastern Conference clubs having respectable seasons in their own way, here is how I rank the finalists.

Ranking The NHL's Three Lady Byng Trophy Finalists

Montreal Canadiens right winger Cole Caufield, Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson are finalists for the NHL's Lady Byng Trophy.

1. Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres

It's been a magical season for the Sabres and coach Ruff.

At times, it looked like Buffalo would extend its NHL record-breaking playoff drought. However, the decision to let go of GM Kevyn Adams sparked the roster, and Ruff led the way.

Not only did the Sabres make the post-season, but they also finished at the top of the Atlantic Division. Not to mention, they're in the driver's seat in their first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins and could be on their way to the second round.

Ruff is the only coach on this list to have won a Jack Adams before. It was in 2005-06, also with the Sabres. This is also the fifth time in his career named a finalist for this award.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Hockey News

This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 12:43 PM.