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Devils searching for new coach, Uncle Lou has many choices

June 9, 2009, 11:15 PM ET [ Comments]
Roger Mussa
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
First and foremost... This has been the best playoffs I have seen in quite some time. Very exciting, the competition has been great, so many game 7s.
I applaud the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins - You both deserve to be in a game 7 Stanley Cup Final.
This is the new NHL.


Much like the American economy; Plenty of well accomplished people in the job market for very few positions. The trend to go with rookie coaches, perhaps also a sign of economic cut backs, teams have saved cost and have given teams good results. See Tochett, Bylsma, Boudreau, Sutter and others. Especially when you see a coach like Sutter earn 2mil+ and the likes of Bylsma much less it makes you wonder. I think the Devils are in a great position in replacing Sutter as a coach. By the way, I dont think we have heard the last of Sutter, perhaps Lou gets some kind of compensation if he goes to Calgary. Lets see.

Alot of names thrown out there for the last week, here is some I have heardand some thoughts that quickly come to mind;

Jacques Lemaire - Uncle Lou went retro this last year adding former Devils to the lineup. Why not the orchestrator responsible for the Devils surgence and first Cup? Seems logical and I kind of like it but im afraid it could revert in an "old school Devils system" and I dont want that.
John MacLean - The sentimental choice. He has paid his dues and a true Devil (even in a Ranger uniform I still saw him as a Devil). There was talk last time. I would be ok with him behind the bench but he would need a strong supporting cast. Could keep the rookie coach trend.
Guy Carbonneau - The Devils has had a trend hiring former Habs. Not sure he is a good fit as others.
Ted Nolan - Once blackballed some say, Nolan did a nice job with the Islanders project for the little time he spent there. I can see him righting the ship in Jersey but do not think he is a "Lou type of coach". I cant help but get Kevin Constantine flashbacks.
Craig MacTavish - Just doesnt tickle my fancy. (I couldnt think of anything cheesier)
Peter Laviolette - Now this would be a fine choice. I think he can be a great fit at a great time.
Marc Crawford - Interesting. Also interesting is Ek adding the Devils as possible suitors for Bertuzzi. I dont think either would happen.
Larry Robinson - No disrespect to all great Devils coaches but Larry is my favorite. I cant help it. But fact of the matter is that Larry Robinson is a phenomenal/outstanding Assistant Coach. Keep him happy because if Lou fires this newly hired Coach at any point in the season I would rather have Larry and MacLean than Uncle Lou behind the bench.

As for my first choice; Laviolette with MacLean right behind. Hopefully MacLean stays around if he is not picked as the Coach.

Devils and NHL fans, Who do you think should Coach the New Jersey Devils? I think the team is 2 free agents away from building strong on this year's efforts. And mediocrity will not be accepted by New Jersey fans and we have to go "all in" and try for one more Cup while brodeur is around and we still have this nucleus.

I am looking forward to next season. Much will happen in Jersey prior to that puck dropping and Im excited.

Lets go Devils! And also to the Wings and Pens.


On another note, I will be doing an interview with jered Ramsden, Devils writer for hockeysfuture.com. If you have a question Ill try to pick one or two.

Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate


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