Today, the NHL made an exciting announcement, revealing the top three finalists for the Jack Adams Award, which celebrates the league's most outstanding coach of the year.
Joining Brunette in the spotlight are Vancouver's Rick Tocchet and Winnipeg's Rick Bowness, rounding out this year's Jack Adams nominees. This prestigious accolade is bestowed annually "to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success."
Brunette's no rookie to the Jack Adams scene. This marks his second nomination for the esteemed award. Back in 2022, he stepped up as interim coach for the Florida Panthers after Joel Quenneville's departure. That season was nothing short of remarkable. Under Brunette's guidance, the Panthers boasted an impressive 58-18-6 record, clinching their inaugural Presidents' Trophy in franchise history.
Brunette joined the Predators in May 2023, stepping in after the team parted ways with John Hynes. Notably, Brunette has a history with Nashville, having played for them during their inaugural season in 1998. He's perhaps best remembered for netting the franchise's very first goal.