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Despite the fact that I felt strongly about Brendan Shanahan and the Toronto Maple Leafs being patience with their coaching decisions, given that he would need time to properly assess where the bigger issues lie, it appears that the Leafs may already be leaning toward the firing of Randy Carlyle.
If any of you recall, I’ve often said that many of the Leafs problems throughout the year could not be fixed unless you either changed the on-ice or off-ice personnel. It was blatantly clear to anyone who watched this team play; the coach was trying to fit square pieces in round holes, and the options were to find someone who understood where square pieces fit, or give the guy some new pieces.
With that being established, it appears to me that the Leafs brass may have already decided to that the easier solution to their defensive problems would be to find a coaching staff who can work with the types of players available to them.
Sure switching a few players who fit better into Carlyle’s game plan could also work, but this would likely require taking a step or two back, rather than forward.
In fact, it was reported by the Host of Murphy’s Hockey Law recently that the coaching positions for the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and Washington Capitals will likely remain vacant until the Leafs make their decision. Is the thought here that if Randy were to become available, that he would be a hot commodity for a few teams who are in the hunt for a new bench boss?
Not entirely sure, but let me be clear on one thing - I’ve always felt that Carlyle was a good coach, and he could very well find success with an NHL team. The question which resonates in Shanahan’s head, however, is whether or not his coach is the right guy for the direction of this particular team.
With the discussion and news which has been slowly surfacing, it appears that the new President of the Maple Leafs may be looking into potentially greener pastures.
Nick Kypreos @RealKyper Shanahan in 3wks and we start hearing talk about potential #Leafs moves. Anywhere from personnel behind bench to overhaul with scouting staff.theScore @theScore The Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly angling to make San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan their next bench boss.
These are just two of the numerous outlets who have offered insight into some of the background activities with respect to the Leafs. While I initially felt that most discussion or information possibly leaking wouldn’t be so soon, all signs are pointing to Carlyle’s dismissal.
What are your thoughts?
Aside from this discussion, there has been some added conversation with respect to James Reimer and his future in Toronto.
According to Jonathan Willis, an anonymous NHL executive was recently quoted saying “If I’m the Leafs, I don’t make him[Reimer] a qualifying offer.…
While the executive and his possible agenda are unknown, it also appears to me that there is very little, if any chance at all, that James Reimer extends his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. There are likely several teams who will provide him with the chance to succeed, though I'm sure fans are worried about having to play against another version of Tuukka Rask.
It’s unfortunate for the young man who played some very strong hockey last season, but at the end of the day when the team needed him most while Jon Bernier was injured, he could not help cure their ails. When if they part ways with Reimer, Toronto will be looking for someone a little more experienced to backstop Bernier as the team moves forward.
That’s it for this week, thanks for reading!