Analysis: GM Garth Snow's blueprint for
the Islanders involves building through youth, and Gordon, this
year's AHL Coach of the Year, fits the plan. Gordon spend the
past eight seasons with Providence, posting a 221-141-20-27
career mark with the Bruins, including a league-best 55-18-3
record last year. He's known for his patience and communication
skills, which will be crucial to the development of a young
Islanders squad.
Los Angeles Kings
Old Coach: Marc Crawford Fired: June 10, 2008
New Coach: Terry Murray Hired: July 17, 2008
Analysis: Los Angeles will benefit from
Murray's patient approach as the work to rebuild a team that has
been a bottom feeder since the lockout ended. He has a history
of getting teams re-organized rather quickly by focusing on
defense and team play. Assuming the Kings become see drastic
improvement within the timeframe of Murray's contract, they also
have a coach who adept at guiding his teams to the
postseason.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Old Coach: John Tortorella Fired: June 3, 2008
New Coach: Barry Melrose Hired: June 24, 2008
Analysis: Melrose led Medicine Hat (WHL)
to a Memorial Cup title in 1988 and Adirondack (AHL) to a Calder
Cup title in 1992 before joining the Los Angeles Kings, where
they advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals in his first season. Los
Angeles failed to make the postseason in the two subsequent
seasons, leading to his dismissal. Melrose spent the last 12
years as an NHL analyst.
San Jose Sharks
Old Coach: Ron Wilson Fired: May 12, 2008
New Coach: Todd McLellan Hired: June 12, 2008
Analysis: McLellan favors a fast,
puck-possession game, which could come together quickly
especially if the Sharks hang onto Patrick Marleau and re-sign
Brian Campbell. He comes from a background with plenty of
success -- he coached Houston (AHL) to a Calder Cup in 2003
before joining the Wings -- and San Jose hopes the lessons he's
learned along the way will rub off on the Sharks.
Colorado Avalanche
Old Coach: Joel Quenneville Fired: May 9, 2008
New Coach: Tony Granato Hired: May 22, 2008
Analysis: Granato coached the Avalanche
from 2002-04, accumulating a 72-44-17 record during that
stretch. He has also served as Colorado's assistant coach since
2004, giving him familiarity with the franchise's inner workings
and depth chart. Granato's philosophy is more in-line with that
of GM Francois Giguere, who would like to see the Avs return to
its style of being an "offensive, fast, puck possession team."
Toronto Maple Leafs
Old Coach: Paul Maurice Fired: May 7, 2008
New Coach: Ron Wilson Hired: June 10, 2008
Analysis: Wilson received criticism over
the past few seasons for not guiding his teams deep into the
playoffs, but that's not a concern for the Leafs right now. Just
getting to the postseason would be considered a huge
success. Wilson, who sees Toronto returning to the playoffs in
about two years, intends to implement a more defensive
system. His familiarity with former Sharks goalie Vesa Toksala
should help with that process.
Ottawa Senators
Old Coach: Bryan Murray Resigned: April 17, 2008
New Coach: Craig Hartsburg Hired: June 13, 2008
Analysis: Hartsburg's previous stints in
the NHL were average at best, but the former Blackhawks and
Ducks head coach reinvented himself junior level. In addition to
serving as head coach for Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) the past four
seasons, Hartsburg played a role in Team Canada's three
consecutive gold medals, one an assistant in 2005 and two as
head coach.
Florida Panthers
Old Coach: Jacques Martin Fired: April 11, 2008
New Coach: Peter DeBoer Hired: June 13, 2008
Analysis: DeBoer joins NHL after 13
successful seasons in the OHL, coaching Detroit, Plymouth and
Kitchener. He has a reputation of demanding hard work and
accountability from players. DeBoer's experience with younger
players should benefit Florida, which boasts nine players on its
roster under 25 and could have at least three rookies joining
the lineup this season.
