After nearly six weeks of gathering information and conducting interviews the Calgary Flames' search for a new head coach looks to be nearing its end.
Treliving on #Flames' coaching search: "That's coming to a conclusion here rather quickly." Says, 'we will' have a coach by the draft. 960
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 13, 2016
There has since been a lot of speculation about who the finalists are for the vacancy. Of the many coaches to have been interviewed only three are still being considered, according to Matt Sekeres of TSN 1040.
According to @mattsekeres, three finalists for #Flames coaching job are Randy Carlyle, Glen Gulutzan, Todd Reirden. https://t.co/AqlbcPmWlV
— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) June 13, 2016
I'm a little surprised Randy Carlyle is still in the running. His teams are known for being heavily out shot, out chanced and out possessed; much like the Flames during Bob Hartley's tenure.
Given management's comments about putting more of a premium on puck possession going forward Carlyle doesn't seem like a good fit - unless he has drastically changed his coaching style.
Glen Gulutzan has been in the running from the word go so it's no surprise he is still in the mix. He has a close relationship with Brad Treliving and, though he was fired after two years in Dallas, he is above .500 as an NHL head coach. The Flames could do better but he wouldn't be the worst choice, I don't think.
Todd Rierden's name hasn't really come up much throughout this process but he could be a good fit. Over the last couple years he has served as an assistant in Washington and this past season they were the 2nd best defensive team in the NHL. The Flames undoubtedly want to be a tighter defensive team moving forward and Rierden could help them accomplish that.
Which coach the Flames elect to go with is anyone's guess. Luckily we won't have to wait too much longer to find out.
Recent posts: On trading down & the coaching search