Based on the limited viewing we saw, I don't think this is anywhere near as bad as the Gulutzan hire. I also don't think it's a big deal that they didn't interview external candidates this time. Teams promote from within all the time, especially when they have already designated someone as an associate.
It's been mentioned before, but Laviolette was never going to choose Calgary. Gallant, besides having the red flags, is likely to wait it out. Of the high-profile coaches available, that leaves Boudreau and Sutter. Sutter indicated that he likely won't return to coaching. And Boudreau, I just don't think he is a fit this team.
Other guys with previous NHL head coaching experience, like Bylsma and Kitchen, seem to have fallen off everyone's radar.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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