I guess it depends on how they view their chances this year. Being as tight as they are to the cap, Point is cost certainty for the next couple years of his ELC, then possible bridge deal, etc. Moving on from Johnson/Palat before their big payday seems more reasonable, though it may set them back this year
- WhiteLie

They may move on but like you said it's a set back so why not off season. What's the need at TDL? Unless they send to a Cup contender and find themselves as sellers? As for Nucks those guys make no sense. Point and Howden do at TDL. So it's all about timing and needs of teams to make a deal.

Thats just it i think TB is screwed if they don't make a move to get in yhe PO's.
They r struggling mightily. Cost exempt players could be packaged if we win the trade.
- Nighthawk

Talking about the cost being exempt players from Vegas draft.

are you suggesting a new role as "coaching manager"?
- SMBDragon

Sure why not. Add in some other player development responsibilities and go from there. HC needs some direction as well just like GM gets from a TL type role. It's a tiered sharing role. Having GM concentrate on this for coaching systems and development would be too much to ask. Coaching staff always follow HC. So HC, especially one like WD, could benefit from some expertise and guidance. A guy not tied to players or playing the room. But can put in a structure that makes sense for the talent assembled.

Sure why not. Add in some other player development responsibilities and go from there. HC needs some direction as well just like GM gets from a TL type role. It's a tiered sharing role. Having GM concentrate on this for coaching systems and development would be too much to ask. Coaching staff always follow HC. So HC, especially one like WD, could benefit from some expertise and guidance. A guy not tied to players or playing the room. But can put in a structure that makes sense for the talent assembled.
- Nuck4U

Wouldnt work. A head coach is already the head of the tiered system. If someone is going to make suggestions and manage how the coach does his job, it seems pointless to have the coach. He already works with the goalie coach, conditioning coaches, skill coaches, video coach, etc. so youre just adding someone above him to manage the one guy managing the rest

Wouldnt work. A head coach is already the head of the tiered system. If someone is going to make suggestions and manage how the coach does his job, it seems pointless to have the coach. He already works with the goalie coach, conditioning coaches, skill coaches, video coach, etc. so youre just adding someone above him to manage the one guy managing the rest
- WhiteLie

Why not? It's adding another tier like a specialty area of development where managemt in assembling players has more guidance on type of play.

In this role he can't make on ice or in game play decisions that would be HC and staff. But he could review and advise on system, structure and style of play. One that can add to a level of organization and expertise. It might work here on a veteran NHL guy like Hitch and a 3yr NHL coach in WD. It wouldn't work for Torts or Babcock type coaches but in this case it might. Can't hurt and what's worst case scenario? WD quits? Hitch retires or takes on another role?

Edit:

I see this as a development type role. Coaches just want to win now and make safe moves too often. So this may help temper their narrow decions. That allows JB to concentrate more on drafting and scouting to acquire players. Then having a plan on how to implement and develop them. While HC and staff does the hands on work of the plan.

Adding another tier like a specialty area where managemt in assembling players has more guidance on type of play. In this role he can't make on ice or in game play decisions that would be HC and staff. But he could review and advise on system, structure and style of play. One that can add to a level of organization and expertise. It might work here on a veteran NHL guy like Hitch and a 3yr NHL coach in WD. It wouldn't work for Torts or Babcock type coaches but in this case it might. Can't hurt and what's worst case scenario? WD quits? Hitch retires or takes on another role?
- Nuck4U

The reason I dont think it would work is that I believe there would be inconsistencies in the message. If Willie is doing as he is told by Hitch, will the players respect the coach's message anymore knowing it comes from above? The message becomes less effective in my eyes if you know youre not dealing with the guy who will hold you accountable.

We already discuss about how Willie doesnt play the players that Benning wants, but thats his right as coach. He sat Sven because he felt he deserved it, but what happens to lineup decisions if Hitch is there and how do they align both strategy and lineup and effort through multiple voices? To me, thats too many opinions and likely why we dont see these positions, with maybe the exception of short tournaments

For your edit: If he isnt ready, then fire him. Simple enough, the NHL isnt a development league

The reason I dont think it would work is that I believe there would be inconsistencies in the message. If Willie is doing as he is told by Hitch, will the players respect the coach's message anymore knowing it comes from above? The message becomes less effective in my eyes if you know youre not dealing with the guy who will hold you accountable.

We already discuss about how Willie doesnt play the players that Benning wants, but thats his right as coach. He sat Sven because he felt he deserved it, but what happens to lineup decisions if Hitch is there and how do they align both strategy and lineup and effort through multiple voices? To me, thats too many opinions and likely why we dont see these positions, with maybe the exception of short tournaments

For your edit: If he isnt ready, then fire him. Simple enough, the NHL isnt a development league
- WhiteLie

Fire who? And replace with whom? The message doesn't need to be distorted. A plan is made, tweaked and analyzed. It doesn't mean HC like WD is left out.

It's not to undermine HC like WD but add expertise and vision to strategy and what works better. HC adds input as well but does more implementing and makes decisions in real time. Concentrates on working with players on how to get things done. Following a developed plan gives them more time to make sure the team is able, prepared and ready to do it.

Fire who? And replace with whom? It's not to undermine HC like WD but add expertise and vision to strategy and what works better. HC adds input as well but does more implementing and makes decisions in real time. Concentrates on working with players on how to get things done. Following a developed plan gives them more time to make sure the team is able, prepared and ready to do it.
- Nuck4U

Well if WD needs to develop, then he isnt ready to be an NHL coach, so find one who is.

My point was more that it has never happened. Scotty Bowman doesnt meddle with Quenneville and no one advises even rookie head coaches. He consults his video coaches and other members of his team but he is the top of the pyramid. In normal structure, Hitch could be a strategist, like he was for the olympic teams, but ultimately answers to the head coach, not the other way around

Well if WD needs to develop, then he isnt ready to be an NHL coach, so find one who is.

My point was more that it has never happened. Scotty Bowman doesnt meddle with Quenneville and no one advises even rookie head coaches. He consults his video coaches and other members of his team but he is the top of the pyramid. In normal structure, Hitch could be a strategist, like he was for the olympic teams, but ultimately answers to the head coach, not the other way around
- WhiteLie

Talking about player and team development. Not the HC. Adding another element to make team more effective.

Actually I have this role working with HC who answers to GM. It is part advisory but with more responsibility to systems play and player development for NHL and AHL teams. Like here's what will work better and why. Working with coach on what do you think about so and so and trying that. A type of coalesced working relationship.

Talking about player and team development. Not the HC. Adding another element to make team more effective.

Actually I have this role working with HC who answers to GM. It is part advisory but with more responsibility to systems play and player development for NHL and AHL teams. Like here's what will work better and why. Working with coach on what do you think about so and so and trying that. A type of coalesced working relationship.
- Nuck4U

I know the role you want to put in place, I get your mindset behind it too. I am just saying no one else does because if the HC doesnt have autonomy with strategy then all he is is a mouthpiece. Typically the GM and HC work together, the HC consults his video coach, assistants, etc. and they say "lets try this and heres why" and the HC gets final say. Your plan seems to take that away because he would rank equal or higher than coach and report to the GM. If he isnt a good NHL coach that can handle those responsibilities, then find one. Lots of others seem to be doing ok in that role, no need to pay 2 guys to do what 1 can do

I know the role you want to put in place, I get your mindset behind it too. I am just saying no one else does because if the HC doesnt have autonomy with strategy then all he is is a mouthpiece. Typically the GM and HC work together, the HC consults his video coach, assistants, etc. and they say "lets try this and heres why" and the HC gets final say. Your plan seems to take that away because he would rank equal or higher than coach and report to the GM. If he isnt a good NHL coach that can handle those responsibilities, then find one. Lots of others seem to be doing ok in that role, no need to pay 2 guys to do what 1 can do
- WhiteLie

Tradition is one thing but it doesn't mean it's the only way to do things. It's unconventional for sure but then again some things may work in a fact based reality. WD is not the ideal coach. There doesn't seem to be one available either.

Maybe this is just combining the two best things about each guy. Hitch's hockey mind and WD's good will with the room and players. Getting them to buy into something. Just adding Hitch's expertise on what that is and besting other teams.

Again it's an intro for Hitch to being a part of the team now. He does this with Comets. Then moves on to other things in team development etc. or retires to Scotty like advising only.