In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on Edmonton's decision to replace Todd McLellan with Ken Hitchcock.
Todd Cordell
On the surface, an old-school, defensive-minded coach doesn't seem like the right fit for a team featuring the league's best, fastest, and most dynamic player. I actually don't mind the hire, though. Beyond McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, there isn't much speed or skill in Edmonton's forward crop. There are a lot of older and/or slower players. Their defense isn't exactly filled with high-end puck movers either. Simply put, the Oilers are not built to play an up-tempo, high-event style.
I think slowing things down, playing with a lot of structure, and hoping McDavid can create a goal or two per game may be their best path to victory. Will that be the case in 2019-20? Maybe not. It shouldn't be anyway – this roster needs to get with the times. In the meantime, Hitchcock is a fine interim coach.
Sean Maloughney Todd McLellan was a frustrating coach to watch in Edmonton over the past two seasons. His unwillingness to adapt or move certain players out of positions they clearly were not thriving in was rage inducing.
Having said that Todd McLellan is not the reason the Oilers are in the position they find themselves. It isn't McLellan's fault the Oilers don't have a single top 6 winger, nor is it his fault his goaltenders have been inconsistent or that his team lacks any defensive depth.
Chiarelli and his decisions have led the Oilers to their current state and unless there is a drastic turnaround he will find himself unemployed before the end of the year.
As far as Ken Hitchcock goes he is an interesting choice to say the least. Like McLellan, Hitchcock is a coach who favours his veterans over youth meaning guys like Puljujarvi probably won't suddenly be inserted as top 6 wingers. Work ethic and accountability will be the names of the game as Hitch is not one to take laziness or soft plays lightly. Those who expect Hitchcock to be a magic pill that will fix everything that ails the Oilers... are likely going to be disappointed.
James Tanner This move, like almost everything to do with the Oilers organization, is a complete joke. The change to Hitchcock isn't going to do anything to fix the Oilers biggest problem, which is that their GM is terrible.
Chiarelli is easily the NHL's worst GM. The fact that the Oilers ownership let him go through another coach and will allow him to continue to make trades is beyond comprehension.
Chiarelli is so bad and the Oilers so terribly run that despite winning four 1st overalls and having the best player in the world, people feel sorry for their fans.
Keeping Peter Chiarelli is disgraceful and the Oilers' fans deserve better. Just for example of how terrible the Oilers are, it was revealed that they didn't call or interview anyone other than Hitchcock.
Hitchcock is about 100 and there are certainly better, younger, smarter, fresher choices available. This is the fifth time Hitchcock has been brought into a team mid-season and is about the most uninspired, unoriginal choice possible. That the Oilers would even go this route suggests a lack of creativity and thinking that is downright scary.
The Oilers suck, their GM sucks and their owner is apparently a complete tool. This is just another in a long line of hilariously terrible moves. If you like a combination of slapstick and dark comedy, the Oilers are certainly the team for you.
They make the Ottawa Senators look like a professionally run organization.
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