Based on a study of how the NHL Broadcasters' Association has made its selections in the past, and each coach's underlying numbers, John Tortorella of the Columbus Blue Jackets is the clear front-runner for the Jack Adams Award this season, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs' Mike Babcock.
History suggests that Jack Adams voting is primarily based on a perception of how much star power a coach had access to, and how well the team performed relative to expectations. Tortorella undoubtedly leads all candidates in the latter capacity, but trails Babcock in the former.
But there are some other worthy candidates out there, too. Let's take a look at the quantifiable aspects, acknowledge the anecdotal ones, and make a pick as to who will take home the award this year.
