Ott's Coaching Rise: NHL Ready

0:00It's April 25th. This is NHL News today, AI-powered updates on your team. I'm Cory with the story. Steve Ott is quietly stacking one of the strongest coaching resumes in hockey right now. After grinding as a player for 14 NHL seasons as a tough, versatile forward, he moved into coaching with the St. Louis Blues as an assistant. There, he built a rep for connecting with players, especially the young ones and pushing accountability while developing talent. Earlier this year, in January, Ott stepped down from the Blues to take over as head coach for their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. The team was struggling bad at 14 wins, 18 losses, 4 overtime losses, and 2 more ties. But under Ott, they flipped the script, going 18 wins, 13 losses, 2 overtime losses, and 0 ties to snag a Calder Cup playoff spot. Players love his style because he's relatable. Not some distant suit, but a guy who gets the grind of an 82 game season from all angles,

1:02stars, to depth guys. And today's faster, younger NHL, that mix of tough love and modern smarts is gold. Teams need coaches who teach as much as they scheme. Looking ahead, a few squads could be perfect fits if they shake up their benches. The Los Angeles Kings might need a fresh voice after another tough first round playoff hole. Ottawa Senators could use his intensity to push their core further. And the Seattle Kraken, with their blend of vets and kids, might vibe with his adaptable approach. Ott's profile screams long-term success in this evolving league player savvy, communication, and growth mindset. With the 2026-27 season on the horizon, his shot at an NHL headgag feels closer than ever, ready to drop bars on the bench.