This argument of the NHL afraid to hire coaches under 50 is misleading. First of all, very few candidates under 50 have the resume to to do the job. But when they are available, it seems that many teams are willing to give guys a shot...
Colorado hired Jared Bednar at age 44. No previous NHL head coaching experience. He just won the Cup last week.
Last year Columbus hired Brad Larsen at age 44.
Arizona hired Andre Tourigny at age 47.
Montreal hired Marty St.Louis at age 47.
The Oilers just hired Jay Woodcroft at age 45.
Ottawa hired DJ Smith at age 42.
San Jose hired Boughner at age 49.
Dave Hakstol was hired by Philly at age 47.
The Leafs hired Sheldon Keefe when he was just 39.
So just because several teams opted for more experienced candidates this summer, that's hardly evidence to state that teams are afraid to hire candidates under 50.
Also, Jeff Blashill was never fired. His contract expired and Detroit opted not to renew. He was hired by Detroit at age 42.
