Upcoming Match-ups

Opening Odds Favor Barry Trotz to Win 2021 Jack Adams Award

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in NHL Hockey

Updated Dec 15, 2020 · 10:42 AM PST

Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders poses with the Jack Adams Award after winning the award at the NHL Awards, Wednesday, June 19, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
  • Odds have been released for the NHL coach of the year award
  • New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz is aiming to win the Jack Adams for the third time in six years
  • Below is a break down of the top candidates for the award and a value pick that could net a big payday

The Jack Adams Award may end up with a new name if Barry Trotz keeps this up.

The New York Islanders head coach has won the coach of the year award twice in the last five years. Once with his current team and once with the Washington Capitals in his last stop. Now, he’s the favorite to capture the trophy for the third time in six years.

2021 Jack Adams Award Odds

Coach Odds
Barry Trotz +600
Jared Bednar +700
Rick Bowness +800
Peter DeBoer +900
Craig Berube +1000
Jon Cooper +1000
Alain Vigneault +1200
Bruce Cassidy +1200
Rick Tocchet +1200
Rod Brind’Amour +1200

Odds as of Dec. 15th

The NHL coach of the year goes one of two ways. It’s awarded to either the biggest overachiever or the coach of the best team in the league. Following that logic, here are three candidates for the award-worthy of your attention.

Trotz Earning Money On Long Island

Barry Trotz left Washington for a big raise with the New York Islanders. His deal is reportedly for five years and $20 million, which is more than double what he was making with the Capitals. He’s already won the Jack Adams once with his new club and could very well do so again this year. His team has some talent but is considered to be a fringe playoff team at best.

If the Islanders comfortably make the playoffs, he’ll be considered to win the award once again. One thing to consider, however, is the status of star forward Matthew Barzal. The restricted free agent remains unsigned as the regular season draws near.

Avalanche In Prime Position To Take Next Step

The 2021 Stanley Cup odds paint a nice picture for the Colorado Avalanche. They are listed as one of the favorites to win and, for good reason. They have arguably the best player in the game with forward Nathan MacKinnon.

They also have a good supporting cast of forwards that includes Mikko Rantanen and captain Gabriel Landeskog. On the back end, Cale Makar is the reigning rookie of the year. All of this is to say head coach Jared Bednar has an incredibly talented unit.

Bednar could follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Bruce Cassidy and take home the award simply for standing on the bench of the Presidents Trophy winner. There is one question mark however and, it’s at a very important position. The Avalanche are returning both Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz in goal. Neither were impressive during the playoffs, so Bednar will have at least one issue to deal with once the puck drops.

Rangers Expected To Make Major Strides

The New York Rangers are in prime position to make a giant leap forward this year. Their head coach David Quinn is currently listed at +2000 to win the Jack Adams and is the best value bet on the board. The Rangers are led by MVP candidate Artemi Panarin who recorded 95 points in 69 games last year.

They also have the top two candidates for the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the seasons top rookie. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin and number one overall pick Alexis Lafreniere are both expected to contribute in a big way.

The Rangers moved on from long time goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, and this should give Quinn a boost. He’ll no longer feel the need to squeeze in starts for his aging former star and can now focus on building Shesterkin into an all-star caliber goalie.

New York would have missed the playoffs if not for the expanded format in the NHL bubble. Expect them to take a giant leap forward, helping Quinn earn his first coach of the year award.

The Pick: David Quinn (+2000)

Author Image