The offseason is a time to evaluate and assess where your team fell short. Though a better team may have eliminated you from the playoffs, the general managers and front office big shots make a name for themselves by their actions when there is no hockey at all.
The head coach in any sport requires a special type of person. They are always first to catch the heat during the loss, yet their contributions are minimized during a win. Players win and lose games and do so using the strategy of the coach. The bench boss has the most amount of pressure put upon them to succeed. Some embrace the rigors of the job, while others wilt under the pressure.
The equipment is still moist from the last sweat of the season when most head coaches are issued their walking papers. From a public relations perspective, firing the coach as soon as possible sends the message that the team is fine, but the scapegoat won’t be back next year. If the general manager happens to get his pink slip at or around the same time, ownership has officially scuttled the ship and is looking for the reset button.
As the regular season ended three coaching jobs opened up. As several more teams were eliminated from the playoffs, a couple more coaching opportunities became available. Let’s take a look at the job openings and who the favorites are to get hired.
3. Dallas Stars-Glenn Gulutzan was a surprise hire as the last Dallas coach. His firing in May coincided with the dismissal of Joe Nieuwendyk as the general manager. Enter former assistant Detroit Red Wing GM Jim Nill, a fresh new logo and some fly new sweaters. The Stars want to make a hire that shows they are ready to win now. Dave Tippett is the coveted hire, but he already has a job in Phoenix. There has been speculation that Nill has interviewed Alain Vigneault, Lindy Ruff and Dallas Eakins, but he remains mum on the candidates. Don’t be surprised if Nill chooses dark horse candidate, Grand Rapids (Detroit’s AHL affiliate) coach Jeff Blashill.
2. Vancouver Canucks-This could be the most interesting position of the three available. Dallas Eakins has emerged as the favorite to get the Vancouver post, but with a veteran
roster, will Eakins be able to earn the respect needed? Names also mentioned include Scott Arniel, John Stevens, Lindy Ruff. The Canucks need a veteran coach that knows how to deal with egos and high dollar athletes. Their franchise is at a bit of a crossroads with their top players all over the age of 30. If they hire a younger coach with no NHL experience, it tells everyone that they are going to rebuild the team. Eakins might be the guy that they want, but it will send the wrong message to the team.
1. New York Rangers-John Tortorella got canned after the Rangers lost to the Bruins in the second round. There have been whispers that Mark Messier is a favorite to get the nod. Since retirement, Messier has held a manufactured position in the organization. It would be ridiculous to hand a glamour job like the Rangers post to someone with zero experience. Look for Alain Vigneault (recently fired from Vancouver) to get the nod. Marc Crawford has been out of the game for a bit, but could be a gem with the New York media.