03-01-2018, 10:24 AM
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#3358
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#1 Goaltender
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
I agree with this too, but the hire has to be the right hire. With the Flames, I think in recent history they have been patient with their coaches. So I think the issue is more with who we're hiring coaching-wise, more-so than our loyalty to them.
Brent Sutter signed a 3 year contract - he coached all 3 years. Missed the playoffs all 3 years.
Bob Hartley signed a 3 year contract - he coached all 3 years, got an extension - and was then fired 1 year into his extension. The giving Hartley an extension was objectively a bad idea, but how do you walk away from the guy who just won a playoff round and coach of the year? Regardless, that's 4 straight years.
Greg Gulutzan signed a 3 year contract - and is about to conclude year 2. Year 1 was a very inconsistent season, marred by poor goaltending poor organizational depth. Year 2, defensive depth and goaltening were addressed and the team clearly over-relied on internal development to address the forwards - but that's still a significant improvement roster-wise, yet the results have by in large been the same, if not slightly worse. There have also been a number of just bizarre coaching decisions made this year. I think the biggest "sin" the team made over the course of last summer was viewing themselves inside of a bubble while setting the expectations. Teams like LA made changes, and have greatly improved - which makes the battle for a spot harder. Also...who saw Vegas coming?
I don't think the Flames are overly impatient with coaches. I do think the Flames were impatient with coaches prior to Brent Sutter, but not anymore. We give them runway to establish their systems and succeed, the last few just haven't.
Right now, I think the Flames have a leadership issue - and I can always think back to what the Flames players have said about the team under Darryl Sutter as the head coach. Iggy may have been captain, but Darryl set the tone and was the leader. I believe we see this with other teams and other coaches as well - I think Quennville is a huge game-changer and leader as a coach.
So the question then comes...if not Gully, then who? I think the market for coaches is going to be very interesting this summer. AV on the outs in NYR, Quennville possibly leaving Chicago? I'm not saying we're going to land Quennville, because I think ultimately if he moves on from Chicago he's going to take up the mantle in New York as they move forward with their rebuild...but would AV be possible? Maybe.
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Have a feeling will be at least 5 coaches available with some surprises.
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