The 10 Most Successful NHL Player-Coaches

Throughout NHL history, several players have transitioned to coaching roles with great success. These individuals not only made a mark on the ice but also behind the bench, leading their teams to championships and historic achievements. Here are the top 10 most successful player-coaches in NHL history.

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1. Toe Blake

Blake won three Stanley Cups as a player with the Montreal Canadiens and later became one of the most successful coaches in NHL history, leading the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1968.

2. Scotty Bowman

While Bowman had a brief playing career cut short by injury, his coaching success is unparalleled. He won nine Stanley Cups as a head coach, making him the winningest coach in NHL history.

3. Patrick Roy

A legendary goaltender with four Stanley Cups as a player, Roy transitioned to coaching and led the Colorado Avalanche to a division title in his first season behind the bench, winning the Jack Adams Award.

4. Jacques Lemaire

Lemaire won eight Stanley Cups as a player with the Canadiens before becoming a respected coach, leading the New Jersey Devils to a Stanley Cup in 1995 with his defensive-minded system.

5. Larry Robinson

A dominant defenseman and six-time Stanley Cup winner as a player, Robinson later coached the New Jersey Devils to a Stanley Cup in 2000.

6. Al Arbour

Arbour played for four teams and won four Stanley Cups as a player before becoming the legendary coach of the New York Islanders, leading them to four consecutive championships from 1980-1983.

7. Wayne Gretzky

The greatest player in NHL history transitioned to coaching with the Arizona Coyotes. While his coaching career wasn’t as successful as his playing days, his influence on the game remained strong.

8. Bryan Trottier

A key player for the Islanders dynasty, Trottier later became an assistant coach with multiple teams and had a brief stint as head coach of the New York Rangers.

9. Red Kelly

Kelly was an eight-time Stanley Cup champion as a player and successfully coached the Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

10. Chris Chelios

Though he hasn’t had a major head coaching role, Chelios has remained involved in player development and mentorship, using his experience as one of the game’s greatest defensemen.

Conclusion

These player-coaches left an undeniable mark on NHL history, proving that elite hockey minds can transition from the ice to behind the bench. Their success in both roles cements their legacy as some of the sport's greatest figures.

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