Leafs Next Coach?

[CarltonTheBear]

My guess is that Pete DeBoer, Todd McLellan, and Dale Hunter are the 3 most likely guys to be the next coach. I don't really have a clue which one would be best. Hunter rubbed me the wrong way during his stint in Washington though, I also think the nepotism factor there makes me a bit wary.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

I don't know much about him either, but he's the most talked-about AHL coach at the moment. I wonder if somebody in his position would be concerned about joining a team like the Leafs that will likely be pretty bad the next couple of years. He'll likely be in some sort of demand, if not this offseason then maybe next. Would waiting for a slightly better opportunity be smarter than potentially tarnishing your reputation by coaching a bottom-5 team? Look what happened to Eakins. He went from the same position Blashill is in right now to a guy who might not get another head coaching gig for awhile.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

I don't know much about him either, but he's the most talked-about AHL coach at the moment. I wonder if somebody in his position would be concerned about joining a team like the Leafs that will likely be pretty bad the next couple of years. He'll likely be in some sort of demand, if not this offseason then maybe next. Would waiting for a slightly better opportunity be smarter than potentially tarnishing your reputation by coaching a bottom-5 team? Look what happened to Eakins. He went from the same position Blashill is in right now to a guy who might not get another head coaching gig for awhile.

Look what has happened to Horachek as well.  McKenzie certainly seemed high on Blashill, and figured the Leafs would at least ask permission to talk to him, but who knows.  At this point I wouldn't mind seeing a young, up and coming coach take over.  But like you mentioned, I'm not sure how many guys would want to cut their teeth with a terrible team under intense scrutiny.

 

[nutman]

Eakins would be a good choice, he is good with the kids.

 

[Al14]

Eakins would be a good choice, he is good with the kids.

Eakins couldn't get the job done in Edmonton with their kids.  So , no, let's not go there.

 

[Highlander]

Chemistry is a really unpredictable thing especially in Hockey. Eakins got eaten up out west. Yes there are some good AHL to NHL stories and this guy may be the guy if Babcock doesnt come. One thing is he better be strong as Zeus to take the heat of the job he is going to take on, for as we know you better be a God or we are going to roast his butt in hell. As we tend to do.

 

[Al14]

Chemistry is a really unpredictable thing especially in Hockey. Eakins got eaten up out west. Yes there are some good AHL to NHL stories and this guy may be the guy if Babcock doesnt come. One thing is he better be strong as Zeus to take the heat of the job he is going to take on, for as we know you better be a God or we are going to roast his butt in hell. As we tend to do.

Eakins is not the answer to our coaching situation IMHO.  I don't think his abilities translated well from the AHL to the NHL.  JMHO.

 

[Highlander]

I was talking about the Blashill guy that McKenzie mentioned, I think Eakins made a huge mistake when Randy was hired, he felt pissed and ran to Edmonton (mistake), while he should have stayed with the Marlies, honed his skills and waited for Caryle to impload which I think we all saw coming. Two more years with the Marlies and he would have been the Leafs coach (perhaps).

 

[LuncheonMeat]

I was talking about the Blashill guy that McKenzie mentioned, I think Eakins made a huge mistake when Randy was hired, he felt pissed and ran to Edmonton (mistake), while he should have stayed with the Marlies, honed his skills and waited for Caryle to impload which I think we all saw coming. Two more years with the Marlies and he would have been the Leafs coach (perhaps).

It would have been really hard to turn that job down.  Only 30 jobs on the planet for NHL coaches, and an opportunity to coach all those young prospects.  And a whack more money on top of it.  I bet he had a mental battle with what you're saying, but man you just never know when or if you're going to get that chance again.

 

[Joe S.]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

I don't know much about him either, but he's the most talked-about AHL coach at the moment. I wonder if somebody in his position would be concerned about joining a team like the Leafs that will likely be pretty bad the next couple of years. He'll likely be in some sort of demand, if not this offseason then maybe next. Would waiting for a slightly better opportunity be smarter than potentially tarnishing your reputation by coaching a bottom-5 team? Look what happened to Eakins. He went from the same position Blashill is in right now to a guy who might not get another head coaching gig for awhile.

Isn't this kind of what happened with Dallas Eakins?

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

I don't know much about him either, but he's the most talked-about AHL coach at the moment. I wonder if somebody in his position would be concerned about joining a team like the Leafs that will likely be pretty bad the next couple of years. He'll likely be in some sort of demand, if not this offseason then maybe next. Would waiting for a slightly better opportunity be smarter than potentially tarnishing your reputation by coaching a bottom-5 team? Look what happened to Eakins. He went from the same position Blashill is in right now to a guy who might not get another head coaching gig for awhile.

Isn't this kind of what happened with Dallas Eakins?

Yeah, Carlton really missed that obvious one there.

 

[Joe S.]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

I don't know much about him either, but he's the most talked-about AHL coach at the moment. I wonder if somebody in his position would be concerned about joining a team like the Leafs that will likely be pretty bad the next couple of years. He'll likely be in some sort of demand, if not this offseason then maybe next. Would waiting for a slightly better opportunity be smarter than potentially tarnishing your reputation by coaching a bottom-5 team? Look what happened to Eakins. He went from the same position Blashill is in right now to a guy who might not get another head coaching gig for awhile.

Isn't this kind of what happened with Dallas Eakins?

Yeah, Carlton really missed that obvious one there.

Holy crap my reading skills suck.

I don't know what's wrong with me. My posting and reading skills are tanking.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

I don't know much about him either, but he's the most talked-about AHL coach at the moment. I wonder if somebody in his position would be concerned about joining a team like the Leafs that will likely be pretty bad the next couple of years. He'll likely be in some sort of demand, if not this offseason then maybe next. Would waiting for a slightly better opportunity be smarter than potentially tarnishing your reputation by coaching a bottom-5 team? Look what happened to Eakins. He went from the same position Blashill is in right now to a guy who might not get another head coaching gig for awhile.

Isn't this kind of what happened with Dallas Eakins?

Yeah, Carlton really missed that obvious one there.

Holy crap my reading skills suck.

I don't know what's wrong with me. My posting and reading skills are tanking.

It's Kessel's fault.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

McKenzie was on Leafs Lunch a few weeks ago talking about coaching options.  He was asked about Babcock coaching the Leafs, but named another guy he thought might be a more interesting candidate.  The guy he mentioned was Jeff Blashill of Grand Rapids, Detroit's AHL affiliate.  He figured if Babcock left Detroit (not likely to the Leafs), then Blashill would be a shoe-in to take over Babcock's job, but if Babcock stays in Detroit Blashill would be in high demand.  I think it's an intriguing possibility, although I'll admit I don't know much about him.

I don't know much about him either, but he's the most talked-about AHL coach at the moment. I wonder if somebody in his position would be concerned about joining a team like the Leafs that will likely be pretty bad the next couple of years. He'll likely be in some sort of demand, if not this offseason then maybe next. Would waiting for a slightly better opportunity be smarter than potentially tarnishing your reputation by coaching a bottom-5 team? Look what happened to Eakins. He went from the same position Blashill is in right now to a guy who might not get another head coaching gig for awhile.

Isn't this kind of what happened with Dallas Eakins?

Yeah, Carlton really missed that obvious one there.

Holy crap my reading skills suck.

I don't know what's wrong with me. My posting and reading skills are tanking.

;D  ----->  Old age (welcome to the party!)

 

[Kin]

Isn't this kind of what happened with Dallas Eakins?

I don't think it is. I think "what happened" with Eakins is that people don't think he's done a terrific job in Edmonton. I appreciate that can be a tough thing to separate from just coaching a bad team but, just as an example, I don't think anyone is looking at Ted Nolan or Dave Tippett and thinking they'll never coach again.

 

[Highlander]

true dat Nik but Nolan and Tippet both have had some success in the NHL before their respective rebuilds.
All I know is we need a game changer and can you imagine the buzz if the Babcock becomes our coach. It will shake the entire league in outlook.  It will also attract free agents (dare I mention Stamkos?)

 

[Andy007]

Yep, just look at all of those top tier FA's that the prestige of Babcock has netted the Wings...

 

[Highlander]

Have you been to Detroit, it is like Hell on Earth. Who the F--K would want to live there. Sorry but you need a lobotomy to love that city.

 

[Jolly good show chaps]

Have you been to Detroit, it is like Hell on Earth. Who the F--K would want to live there. Sorry but you need a lobotomy to love that city.

Yet aren't the suburbs one of the richest areas in America? I've been to some of them a fair few times and certainly wouldn't have an issue living there (coming from someone that has lived in London (UK version) all their life). Sadly wouldn't ever be able to afford it...