Would you make a midseason coaching change to try to salvage playoff hopes?

[djsFlames]

Simple question. Is this something that could help spark a team? Or do you believe it's more harmful than good. There are examples out there where it has turned a team around that was underperforming (which seems to be the case with the Flames) and others where it's left them probably worse off, while not settling well with the team and possibly hurting the reputation of the organization - the most recent example being in Florida.

If the Flames have a sub .500 road trip and can't shake their motivation and execution issues, falling out of a playoff spot for the first time since Dec 6, would you as GM make a coaching change in an effort to salvage the season and spark the team? Knowing the risks that such a move poses.

Or would people see it as too knee-jerk of a reaction, and would rather the Flames be given patience while keeping with the "process", and just continue to work out the bugs of the system GG has implemented, playoffs or not?

The latter I am guessing is Treliving's current MO. I wonder when/if that changes and how long of a leash this coach has given that we're now on year 4 of this rebuild. Surely his tenure as GM may come into question if the Flames once again fail to make the post-season, after being in the fold at the half way mark.

I personally would make the move if there aren't signs of success with the current system and these players before the ASB. 15-20 games is premature. 50-60 games I believe is adequate, given how much the core of the team has fallen from last season. If this were a case of 'sophomore slumps' and merely confidence issues, I highly doubt we would see it coinciding with this many top players at once. I think these players do not believe in the system and cannot thrive creatively within it. And because this appears to be evident, I would opt to make some sort of change behind the bench. This team is capable of better and we have seen it from this same roster. And while I don't think this team is deserving of a playoff spot given their overall performance, they are in one and the season can be salvaged yet with a change in work ethic and energy, and I don't believe that that will come in time under Gulutzan.

Anyway, where would you stand on such a decision if that's where the Flames find themselves come January 26th?

[The Professor]

Um, no.

[btimbit]

Only if it was a definite upgrade. If Julien gets fired, which is looking possible, I'd consider it. Otherwise no, not yet at least

[Thunderball]

Really depends if any top level coaches, like Julien, come available.

If one emerges that the Flames can snap up, perhaps do it, and if playoffs can't be salvaged, use the rest of the season as prep time for 2017-18.

If there isn't, there's no point grabbing another stop gap coach that needs to be replaced, because there isn't much out there.

[djsFlames]

That's a fair point. I would consider taking on Julien as well, he has a good resume.

[Calgary4LIfe]

If there is a clear upgrade that the Flames can get, then sure. I would not make a change or a knee-jerk shake-up trade to salvage the season. The long-term goals of the franchise is what is important, not a short-term solution.

[calgaryblood]

No.

How can we keep blaming the coaches? The players need to have some accountability. If the effort was there, and it wasn't working then maybe but when the top players are continually crapping the bed in the effort department then I have a hard time blaming the coaches.

the system he's trying to get the players to buy into absolutely works. We've seen it work this year. Problem is the players don't seem to want to play it because it means they don't get as much points as they were used to under pond hockey Hartley hockey.

[Darkknight]

Did Gallant get sucked up by another team yet? I know the panthers weren't great with him, but they were a heck of a lot better than they are now. Cali probably has a better idea what kind of coach he is, but I know he sure seemed to get a young team in the Panthers to buy in.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Yes. Only if it's a clear upgrade, and a guy who has a history of playoffs. It's not even just about saving the season, but getting us ready for next season. Gulutzan is a bad coach but without a clear upgrade just wait till summer.

I hope we can snag Hitch this summer.

[gargamel]

Not to try to salvage the playoffs. If it's the best move going forward though, there's no reason to wait for the offseason if the right guy is/becomes available. The worst thing we can do is to ride out the season with Gulutzan, replace him in the offseason, then preach patience for half of next year because guys need time to adjust to a new coach.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Still paying Bob not to coach. Are the owners willing to pay two (2) head coaches not to coach?

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Still paying Bob not to coach. Are the owners willing to pay two (2) head coaches not to coach?

Gulutzan only got a one year contract anyways.

Edit - Also to add to that. One series of playoff hockey, will pay all 3 coaches salaries no problemo.

[The Yen Man]

Has there ever been a time that an NHL team changed head coaches half a year into the coach's tenure? I can't think of one, and would consider it the ultimate kneejerk reaction.

Unless we are talking about a guy like Sigalet or Gelinas, who's been with the team for a few years.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Has there ever been a time that an NHL team changed head coaches after half a year into the coach's tenure? I can't think of one, and would consider it the ultimate kneejerk reaction.

Unless we are talking about a guy like Sigalet or Gelinas, who's been with the team for a few years.

I'm sure its happened

[AC]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

Gulutzan only got a one year contract anyways.

Guess again.

D'Arcy McGrath ‏@calgarypuckcom
talked to capfriendly yesterday, 1 year at unknown salary was just a place holder. Have to assume it's 2-3

@mikeFAIL
Our understanding is it's three years.

https://twitter.com/calgarypuckcom/s...63419901652993

[kukkudo]

Only if its a major upgrade aka Julien. I think he's done in Boston this week.

[Mister Yamoto]

If I owned the Flames I wouldn't be willing to have three head coaches on the payroll at one time. I'd rather just pay two GMs. At least let Hartley come off the payroll before hiring a new one.

Hartley should have gotten one more year. But bringing him back would make the Flames an even bigger joke than they are already.

Also, a new coach doesn't solve the Flames biggest problem. The group of players they have aren't good enough.

Seems to me like Treliving is Craig Button 2.0. Can't pick goalies or coaches but otherwise pretty solid. Unfortunately for them coaching and goaltending major keys to success.

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by Darkknight

Did Gallant get sucked up by another team yet? I know the panthers weren't great with him, but they were a heck of a lot better than they are now. Cali probably has a better idea what kind of coach he is, but I know he sure seemed to get a young team in the Panthers to buy in.

It was reported the Islanders asked Florida if they could talk to him.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/ar...-coach-gallant

[Mister Yamoto]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Still paying Bob not to coach. Are the owners willing to pay two (2) head coaches not to coach?

I highly doubt it. But we have no problem with spending other peoples money. Hire a new coach, trade players with retained salary, get a new building.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by kukkudo

Only if its a major upgrade aka Julien. I think he's done in Boston this week.

That would be impeccable timing if this week turns out to be a disaster for the boys in eastern Canada.