Since the resignation of Brent Sutter, many names have been tossed about as far as prospective replacements, from the expected (John MacLean), to the qualified (Peter Laviolette), to the downright strange (Ted Nolan). But if the Lamoriello-run Devils are notorious for anything, it's going off the board. When everyone at the 1990 draft loved Trevor Kidd, the Devils loved Martin Brodeur. When players like Brian Rafalski and John Madden went undrafted, the Devils decided to give them a chance. And while most people are convinced the next head coach of the Devils will be off the expected list of candidates, NorthJersey.com believes otherwise, and have certainly converted me in the process.
LINK:
http://www.northjersey.co...orts/devils/47737417.html
The above article pegs current Chicago assistant coach Mike Haviland as the man for the job, and despite his name’s resemblance to Niclas Havelid, you don't need to look very far into his bio to find out why.
Sure, as the article says, "he won ECHL titles as a head coach with Atlantic City and Trenton and then coached the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate (in Norfolk, Va,. and Rockford, Ill.) to three consecutive playoff appearances and was named the league's coach of the year in 2006-07," so he's got plenty of winning experience, even before the recent success of the Blackhawks. And sure, "he has been a winner at every level with a winning percentage of at least .600 in six of his seven seasons as a minor league head coach with playoff berths in all seven seasons.”
But here’s the kicker: he's from Middletown, New Jersey. His family has resided in Sea Girt, NJ for the duration of his coaching career. It's ironic, but it also eliminates any possibility of pulling a Sutter.
Successful, experienced, a winner at heart, and he resides just a 45 minute shot down the Turnpike. Sounds like the perfect choice to me.
I don't see anything ''strange'' with Ted Nolan.... The guy won the Jack Adams trophy back in the day with Hasek and the Sabres. The Islanders were dumb enough to fire him after making the playoffs and have been in the worst teams in the league ever since. Thank Garth Snow and Charlie Wang ( The worst GM-Owner duo in the league) As for who is going to get the job, I think Jacques Lemaire will be back in Jersey to play the boring ''trap''.
I would hate having Jacques Lemaire back unless its as an assistant. Going back to defensive hockey is the last thing we need. A defensive system would choke the energy right out of Zach Parise, and would almost guarantee he'd want to leave when its time for his free agency. I hope Lou is smarter than that.
Good read. My biggest concern is whether or not our next coach continues to play or at least plays a system similar to the one Sutter instilled on the team and that our next coach does not let Lou manipulate him. This guy sounds ideal though. Should be fun to watch.