Based on a study of how the NHL Broadcasters' Association has made their 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.