Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
I suspect even Hartley was hired cheap. he was desperate for a job.
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IIRC, Hartley didn't come cheap. I vaguely remember him being in the top 1/3rd of the league in salary, somewhere between 2.5 and 3 million per sesaon? I spent 5 minutes searching without result (only salary I found came from an archaic site that ended with his salary from Colorado). I also don't think he was desperate, as there were a couple of other teams interested. Montreal called Hartley that same off-season:
https://globalnews.ca/news/251154/bo...l-canadiens-2/
As for the Gallant talk - I wouldn't necessarily say that he isn't good with young kids. He was the first head coach for Vegas, and you can't argue with Karlsson (24), Marchessault (26), Tuch (21 - rookie season), Theodore (22), all 'taking off' under him. Then you look at Kakko and Lafrenierre, and the opposite argument is made. At any rate, I don't think that Conroy would seriously consider Gallant, especially considering that it was not only the players, but the staff around him that found Sutter unbearable, and Gallant seemingly has a similar reputation. I can't imagine Conroy would replace one problem for another (potentially at least). I would bet the hire is a more 'modern' coach who is also a player's coach. If Conroy is thinking about bringing in another 'hard coach', just bring back Sutter, throw him in a harness and lower him from the rafters on Game 1 of the season to cheers and jeers. Or bring back Hartley who at least works well with the staff. For all the flack Hartley got, he is still a coach that has won a title at every single level that he has ever coached in. I wish his demeanour was more laid-back, as I can only imagine what 'could have been' if he spent another season here in Calgary coaching Bennett, rather than Gulutzan who didn't seem to have the patience. Maybe the entire Bennett story would have turned out different, and Tkachuk would still be a Flame too! (yeah, right - and anyway, Hartley wouldn't ever be a consideration I would say, especially after so many players were 'grumpy' with Sutter and probably need a 'break' from a hard-ass).
If I was a betting man, I would put money on it being one of Love, Tanguay or Savard. Huska was considered a great 'up and comer', and even Sutter spoke about how he wanted Huska in Anaheim from what I remember. Muller was being groomed to eventually replace Sutter, but either with firsthand knowledge of him or simply with a change in the GM position, perhaps that's not the plan any longer.
i would bet on "someone I have never heard about" over Gallant. With my betting history.. it's Gallant, and I will be shocked.
As an aside, I am curious to know what kind of a coach Tanguay becomes. One thing that I do remember is that before Hartley was hired, it was Tanguay that wanted Hartley hired, saying something like: "I had him in Colorado, and I found him very tough. However, when I look back, I think he really helped me more than any other coach, and I really appreciate it now." or something similar. He apparently kept in touch with Hartley regularly, event though Hartley was particularly hard on Tanguay in Colorado. I wonder if Tanguay would try to mould himself around Hartley in a way. Roy was very tough, and he thought the same way as Hartley did and would frequently speak with Hartley as well.
Tanguay (and Savard, actually) is the most intriguing name on the list for me at the moment. A line of Tanguay - Conroy - Iginla (next season) would probably be the best line in management right now (especially factoring age).