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Well the big news came down today, as Mike Babcock shocked to world by being sucked into the gravitational pull of the centre of the universe. And now that the NHL’s version of the decision – minus the TV special – is over, let’s take a look at some of the coaching moves that have been made so far and the ones that are coming.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The biggest move of the offseason has been made and Mike Babcock has done the unimaginable and chosen the Leafs offer of 50 million dollars. The reality is the job might be lower on the NHL totem pole in terms of appeal, but that’s a heck of a lot of coin to turn down. A lot of people are calling this an eight-year deal (which technically it is), but I like to think of it as a six-year deal because it’s going to take the next two years for Babcock to get things on track to the point where this hire will pay some dividends.
The one thing I’m left wondering about that should be of some concern is, does this move slow the rebuild down? Because, with Babcock coaching this team you can pretty much rule out picking in the top-5, maybe even top-10 next season. The Leafs still need to find that young stud at the top of the draft and they’re likely not getting that with Babcock coaching.
Philadelphia Flyers
I don’t know a ton about Dave Hakstol and the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, but anyone with a career winning percentage in the NCAA of .672 knows how to coach. I’m also curious to see if he has any say with scouting, because you would think he has some experience in doing that during recruiting trips and finding his own players. If so, that might be a big advantage for the Flyers if he can watch tape of a couple players and say I prefer “X” player.
The other thing that will be interesting to watch is how he’ll fair coaching 100+ games a year as apposed to just 40ish. Will he breakdown as the season goes on like a lot on college players do during their first NHL season? That is the question he’ll have to answer this year.
Edmonton Oilers
With all the hype behind the Babcock signing, Todd McLellan might be the “real” best signing of this offseason. What people seem to forget is of the active coaches in the NHL with 200 games, no one has a better winning percentage. He will bring that winning attitude to Edmonton and he already seems to have the support of his top players – Hall and Eberle. That support will be huge and if they can get a goalie and a couple of defenceman, this team will be in the playoffs next season, maybe even with home ice.
New Jersey Devils
I think they need a coach because right now the have two and that isn’t a good thing. The one thing about finding a coach is right now I’m now sure there is a more unappealing coaching job in the NHL. This team is old and other than a few good young defencemen, there isn’t much to work with. Whoever lands the job will likely be gone long before this wagon is going in the right direction.
But if I had to hire a guy, I’d give a chance to a young guy that can gain NHL experience as the Devils rebuild. A guy like John Hynes, in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton knows Ray Shero from his days in Pittsburgh and looks more than ready for the NHL after winning 231 games over the last five AHL seasons. I think he’s worth a look in the NHL.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings knew that there was a chance Mike Babcock would leave this season and that is why they have kept a tight grip on Jeff Blashill, their coach down in Grand Rapids. Blashill has been groomed to coach much like the players he’s coached over the past few seasons. Two titles in two leagues over the last seven years – yep he’s ready.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks underachieved this season, but I don’t think there even close to going into a full rebuild. This is a team has something to prove and adding a coach that is the same boat just makes sense. Dan Bylsma was let go by the Penguins for underachieving but the guy can clearly coach. I give him a shot at getting the Sharks back on track.
Buffalo Sabres
And last but not least, maybe the most sought after job in the NHL. The Sabres have one of the best young groups in the NHL and look ready to take that next step. To do that they are going to need a coach that can work with young players. One coach that fits that bill is very familiar to GM Tim Murray. Terry Murray, Tim’s uncle, has seen just about everything there is to see in the league. He’s also known as guy that is awesome at teaching young players how to be Pros. Drop him in for a few years and watch the Sabres grow.
Who do you think fits the Sabres, Red Wings, Sharks and Devils jobs?
Thanks for reading
Ian
Toronto Maple Leafs
The biggest move of the offseason has been made and Mike Babcock has done the unimaginable and chosen the Leafs offer of 50 million dollars. The reality is the job might be lower on the NHL totem pole in terms of appeal, but that’s a heck of a lot of coin to turn down. A lot of people are calling this an eight-year deal (which technically it is), but I like to think of it as a six-year deal because it’s going to take the next two years for Babcock to get things on track to the point where this hire will pay some dividends.
The one thing I’m left wondering about that should be of some concern is, does this move slow the rebuild down? Because, with Babcock coaching this team you can pretty much rule out picking in the top-5, maybe even top-10 next season. The Leafs still need to find that young stud at the top of the draft and they’re likely not getting that with Babcock coaching.
Philadelphia Flyers
I don’t know a ton about Dave Hakstol and the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, but anyone with a career winning percentage in the NCAA of .672 knows how to coach. I’m also curious to see if he has any say with scouting, because you would think he has some experience in doing that during recruiting trips and finding his own players. If so, that might be a big advantage for the Flyers if he can watch tape of a couple players and say I prefer “X” player.
The other thing that will be interesting to watch is how he’ll fair coaching 100+ games a year as apposed to just 40ish. Will he breakdown as the season goes on like a lot on college players do during their first NHL season? That is the question he’ll have to answer this year.
Edmonton Oilers
With all the hype behind the Babcock signing, Todd McLellan might be the “real” best signing of this offseason. What people seem to forget is of the active coaches in the NHL with 200 games, no one has a better winning percentage. He will bring that winning attitude to Edmonton and he already seems to have the support of his top players – Hall and Eberle. That support will be huge and if they can get a goalie and a couple of defenceman, this team will be in the playoffs next season, maybe even with home ice.
New Jersey Devils
I think they need a coach because right now the have two and that isn’t a good thing. The one thing about finding a coach is right now I’m now sure there is a more unappealing coaching job in the NHL. This team is old and other than a few good young defencemen, there isn’t much to work with. Whoever lands the job will likely be gone long before this wagon is going in the right direction.
But if I had to hire a guy, I’d give a chance to a young guy that can gain NHL experience as the Devils rebuild. A guy like John Hynes, in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton knows Ray Shero from his days in Pittsburgh and looks more than ready for the NHL after winning 231 games over the last five AHL seasons. I think he’s worth a look in the NHL.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings knew that there was a chance Mike Babcock would leave this season and that is why they have kept a tight grip on Jeff Blashill, their coach down in Grand Rapids. Blashill has been groomed to coach much like the players he’s coached over the past few seasons. Two titles in two leagues over the last seven years – yep he’s ready.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks underachieved this season, but I don’t think there even close to going into a full rebuild. This is a team has something to prove and adding a coach that is the same boat just makes sense. Dan Bylsma was let go by the Penguins for underachieving but the guy can clearly coach. I give him a shot at getting the Sharks back on track.
Buffalo Sabres
And last but not least, maybe the most sought after job in the NHL. The Sabres have one of the best young groups in the NHL and look ready to take that next step. To do that they are going to need a coach that can work with young players. One coach that fits that bill is very familiar to GM Tim Murray. Terry Murray, Tim’s uncle, has seen just about everything there is to see in the league. He’s also known as guy that is awesome at teaching young players how to be Pros. Drop him in for a few years and watch the Sabres grow.
Who do you think fits the Sabres, Red Wings, Sharks and Devils jobs?
Thanks for reading
Ian