NHL Rumors: Latest on Offseason Coaching Decisions, Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine

The 2021 NHL playoffs are looming, with the first round of games scheduled to begin on May 11. For teams battling for playoff positioning, it's a critical time; for teams unlikely to make the playoffs, another set of challenges is on the horizon.

For teams that miss out on the postseason, tough coaching and roster decisions lie ahead. Some of those choices could be magnified by the fact that the Seattle Kraken expansion draft is scheduled to take place on July 21. Some players who aren't protected will inevitably be gone.

Coaching decisions will likely come first, though. Let's dig into some of the latest buzz on that front and on the upcoming offseason.

Canucks, Green Have Not Talked Extension

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The Vancouver Canucks have only mustered 19 wins this season, but they did advance to the second round of the playoffs last year.

What that means for the future of head coach Travis Green is unclear, but according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, Vancouver and Green have not engaged in contract talks.

In LeBrun's opinion, that's a mistake.

"There have not been talks regarding an extension this season, which is a mistake in a Canadian market with a rabid fanbase and intense media scrutiny," he wrote. "You don't let a good coach like Green enter the season on an expiring deal. You're asking for it to become a story when you do that."

While Vancouver only made the playoffs once in Green's first two seasons, his squad did produce at least 73 points in each of those years. He also led teams to title games during stints in the WHL and AHL before joining Vancouver.

According to LeBrun, some clarity on Green's future could be pending.

"A source suggested to me Friday that perhaps there could be news on this front sooner rather than later. So stay tuned there," he wrote.

Sabres to Take Time Filling Coaching Vacancy

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

While the Canucks are deciding what to do with their head coach, the Buffalo Sabres are on the hunt for a new one.

Ralph Krueger was fired in March, and general manager Kevyn Adams has made it known that he plans to move deliberately in finding a long-term replacement.

According to LeBrun, Adams is not simply delivering executivespeak.

"Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said at the outset after firing Ralph Krueger that he would take his time and talk to different people. By all accounts, that's exactly what he's doing, a source said Friday," he wrote.

Krueger was fired amid a 12-game winless streak, and things haven't been much better since his departure. Buffalo has shown some signs of progress under interim coach Don Granato, but it still holds the fewest wins in the league.

It's likely Adams and the Sabres will see how the remainder of the season plays out before going heavy into the coaching search. If Granato can finish strong, he might get some consideration.

Patrik Laine Not Checking out for Columbus

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

The Columbus Blue Jackets haven't fared much better than Buffalo and reside in last place in the Central Division. This has led to some fans wondering if winger Patrik Laine has already tuned out for the season.

According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, this isn't the case.

"I've poked around on this with people who know him well, including Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen," he wrote. "They insist that those are purely superficial reads, that Laine does care, that he wants to be here and that he's been maligned this season by a debilitating lack of confidence."

It has been a fairly turbulent few months for Laine, who was traded to Columbus in January. He's been benched and has had to deal with consistent losing. That can take a toll on a player, but it doesn't mean the 23-year-old is disinterested or should be let go by the Blue Jackets.

Laine is scheduled to be a restricted free agent in the offseason.