The Edmonton #Oilers have hired Craig Ramsay as an Assistant Coach; Kelly Buchberger transitions into new role in Player Personnel.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 10, 2014Well then.
It seems as though the Oilers have finally done themselves a bit of good and hired an experienced coach to help their staff. There is no question that I (and many others) have criticized the Oilers Organization for being guilty of rampant cronyism and especially so with Kelly Buchberger who survived multiple Head Coaching changes. With that in mind it’s a welcome moment to acknowledge them for going against the tide and doing what’s right. Darren Dreger also had this to say.
If it hasn't been released yet, Oilers have hired Craig Ramsay as an assistant coach. Buchburger re-assigned. Smith consideriing options.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 10, 2014Dreger’s words also imply that Smith was put on notice today somehow. If he’s considering his options then presumably he was offered a lesser role on the coaching staff. Ramsay will be in charge of the Defense, which was Smith’s job previously. This is indeed a major shake-up to the voices in the Dressing room and one that was sorely needed. Dallas Eakins needs to be the man in charge and has to be in control of his message. That’s difficult to accomplish if those who are supposed to be subordinate to you spend their free time golfing with your boss.
The immediate reaction to the hiring of Ramsay has been universally positive. He is seen as a good teacher and someone who will provide great benefits to the young Defense of the team. He has been coaching since the mid-80’s with Buffalo, the Panthers, and a host of other teams. At 63 years old it’s a safe bet that Eakins wont have to look over his shoulder to protect his job from his Assistant and he can count on 40+ years of professional Hockey experience to help him. Eakins will also be handing over the Power Play to Ramsay as part of his duties. The addition of Ramsay is not a small tinkering of the bench. It is a massive change.
It’s an interesting note that the Power Play for Florida in their last 2 years with him as the coach went 7th and 5th in the NHL and he has had success with Boston when he was their assistant coach. Presumably this is part of his calling card as a coach and with Edmonton’s offensive weapons there is reason to believe that he can get more out of this group than whomever was previously in charge.
As for Buchberger, he’ll be shuffled along to “Player Development… in some capacity which most seem to believe he should excel in.
It’s a good day for the Oilers.
Follow me on Twitter @Archaeologuy