YOUR ASSISTANT COACH CANDIDATES
Fitting the description of a dman with NYI ties
Greg Logan wrote yesterday that “it appears likely that the Islanders will add a former NHL defenseman with Islanders ties to Gordon’s staff.” You mean, all you need to qualify is NHL experience and an Islanders tie? But seriously folks…
Some possible assistant coach candidates that fit that description:
Eric Cairns (5-1): Former Islanders defenseman, now a well-regarded scout and development coach in the organization. Finished year as an assistant with Bridgeport. Popular with the team’s younger players and knows the prospects inside and out. Also knows how to maximize talents.
Dave Lewis (8-1): Would be a lovely, deserving choice. Ex-Islanders defenseman from the ’70s, head coach and assistant in Detroit. Was head coach in Boston for one season while Scott Gordon was coach in Providence. Known for being an excellent teacher and class act.
Unknown (10-1): The guy I don’t know about who was a former NHL defenseman with Islanders ties who may get the job.
Dave Baseggio (20-1): Former head coach and assistant in Bridgeport, where he worked with Bruno Gervais, Rick DiPietro, Sean Bergenheim and Trent Hunter, among others. Spent this season as a pro scout and playoffs advance scout for the Anaheim Ducks. AHL journeyman defenseman, knows Gordon. Yale graduate, tireless worker. Point Blank favorite – which makes him a longshot!
Dean Chynoweth (35-1): Former Islanders first round pick, career cut short by injuries – including having his eye gouged by classy current Tampa Bay head coach Rick Tocchet. Now a very highly-regarded GM and head coach of Swift Current in the WHL.
Ken Morrow (40-1): I’ve known Kenny long enough that it’s hard for me to picture him leaving his scouting position and his decades-long home in Kansas City – hardee-har-har – to be a full-time assistant coach. Team will still rely on his on-ice expertise when he’s in town.
Denis Potvin (200-1): Generally speaking, legendary players don’t take their first hockey ops jobs at age 55 breaking down video as assistant coaches.
Peter Laviolette (250-1): He’s a head coach now. Even when you don’t have a better offer, you don’t take a step back and accept an assistant’s job – especially when you still have two years left on your Carolina contract. (BTW, how ’bout that Paul Maurice?)
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Should John Chabot not return as the other assistant, here are two names to look out for:
Jack Capuano: Bridgeport head coach is worthy, but in a Catch-22. He’s doing excellent work developing prospects, so management might not want to mess with a good thing.
Rob Murray: Gordon’s right-hand man in Providence, where Murray has just taken the Bs to the AHL conference final in his first year as head coach. Might not want to leave a head job in the A for an assistant’s job in the NHL. Might recognize that the coach and GM with the big club are tight and that Claude Julien will be in Boston for a while.
Comments.
74 Responses to YOUR ASSISTANT COACH CANDIDATES
Fitting the description of a dman with NYI ties
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Oren says:
Capuano–because you can’t hold someone back because they are doing a good job–anti-human nature and the way of things. Plus He’ll leave sooner or later if he isn’t promoted. Chynoweth would be my second choice–Islanders ties. I mean how many times have Islanders passed on there alumni–Parise, Sutter as coach…doesn’t work out.
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Mark P says:
Not sure I like Cairns as coach, my last memories of him as an Islander, he got toasted 2x for goals in a playoff game.
Dave Lewis or Basaggio seem like good choices. I can’t see Chynoweth leaving Junior to be an assistant, Family is very strong in CHL-Brent Sutter Left for Head Coaching Job, Dean would probably want the same.
I love Denis Potvin, but agree 100%.
Laviolette is a pretty boy (Wife still loves the bobblehead)…..His backup plan is likely TV. -
Hockey1919 says:
I vote for Lewis as well. He didn’t make a great head coach, but his Detroit experience under Bowman was excellent. Having Gordon just coming off of his rookie NHL season it would be great to have a veteran assist him.
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Jon Mac says:
I would like the Islanders to hire someone who already has a great working relationship with the younger players. If Cairns has that, then he is the man for me. I would also love to see Lewis or Morrow. Potvin would be lots of fun and great for the fan base, but I agree that it is unlikely to happen.
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mt275 says:
It’s good to know Chynoweth is doing well. I thought he had some potential. More curiously, whatever happened to Stirling, and Shaw?
Lewis sounds like the right choice here. -
ron says:
Dave Lewis or Rob Murray would be people i would look into for possible coaching positions. i think Gordon would want Murray on his side due to the Providence connection.
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Well you just made my morning start off right by beginning with a shot from my favorite Islanders fight ever.
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Jim says:
What about JJ Daignealt? He’s currently an assistant in Hartford.
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Brian G says:
Eric Cairns – assistant coach…come on, are you serious (he should be a 1000 to 1)…let’s get some people with some experience in here…we already have a GM and Goalie coach who came right out of their pads into their postions…Islanders need to start being logical with their decisions. Chabot should be out to….Let Gordon pick who he wants to be on his staff.
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bergie20 says:
i hope it’s dave lewis. he has nhl head coaching experience and he has a history here.
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jonsson3 says:
Al Arbour
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dave lewis has to shave that mustache he looks like a former german dictator with that thing
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BR says:
Love Cairns, but I really do think that Gordon would benefit from having some experienced NHL assistants at his side.
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I think Dave Lewis is a good candidate, and I hope he comes in while Cairns takes a full-time assistant’s job in Bridgeport.
As for Capuano, it’s not quite a Catch-22, same way in our offices that being good at your job doesn’t necessarily mean you’d be a good manager. He’s a great coach in the AHL who’s excellent at developing young players – so it might be best for the organization if he stays there and keeps doing what he’s good at.
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mt275 (6): Stirling I think works in Europe now, IDK what the deal is with him. But I do know Brad Shaw is currently where he went right after the Isles- St Louis, and an assistant coach for the Blues. IMO he would fill the qualifications of “a former NHL defenseman with Islanders ties” quite nicely, but I dont know if he is under contract for next season with the Blues organization.
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Valentino says:
I want someone with credibility. This team lacks credibility !
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pablo says:
This Smells of a Wang Move to Cut Cost and Fill from with in. Ya,Ya some might say it is a smart business move. However Wangs been doing this since he bought the team.
It is called cutting payroll.
And Eric Cairns is not your model defenseman, what is he going to teach how to throw a knock out punch. -
thepolishprince says:
I hope Dave Lewis. I think Eric Cairns.
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I say Wang shoud Pay to Have Denis Potvin take the Job if he wants it.
There you have your model defenseman and also will add to ticket sales.
I agree with your 3rd choice CB! -
John says:
Dave Lewis is deserving of the opp. Love to see Potvin come on board as a roving type instructor where he works with the kids etc etc. Even if its at training camp and/or the prospects camp.
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phishstyx says:
Cairnies is a character guy old school islander from the 70′s Garth know it and loves his fire and passion. He may not have been a top 4 defenseman but that beating he put on Shane Corson will go down as one of the top moments in Islander history. THe Barn Was ROCKIN!!
The kids love him, give him a shot -
Do we know if the choice will be Gordon’s to make or if Snow has input or approval? And what ever did happen to Shaw, is he living off of his wife’s Brady Brady royalties?
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The Real Vukota says:
It’s so funny listening to people complain about Cairns when they no idea what he is capable of. Someone said they didn’t like Cairns because he got burned in the Tampa series???? Are you kidding me? Ted Nolan was a borderline 4th line guy in the NHL. Coaching has nothing to do with how you were as a player. if that was the case Phoenix would be lifting the cup over and over. Wake up people!!!
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My vote goes to Dave Lewis because of his coaching experience and ties to the organization.
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G. HOWITT says:
Yes Sir i said it Mr. Lewis or Hmmm what about Gerry Hart he bleeds orange/blue..
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JPinVA says:
Can they lure Jacque Laperriere back. I think he’s been the best defensive assistant the Islanders have had.
Would love Lewis to have been a candidate for the head job last year, but I don’t see him as a Go Go underling. Cairns seems to be doing a fine job getting kids ready for pro careers… that doesn’t mean he can coach, it means he knows where to find fake IDs and hockey groupies.
If Kenny Morrow wants to stay in KC, maybe Wang should move the team there… he’d definitely be my second choice as an Islander Asst. -
Crackhead Theo says:
Eric Cairns???? Is that a joke? I loved the guy because he could mash someones face into something that resembles a bowl of jelly, but I wouldnt say he is known for his defensive expertise….especially enough to be a coach! A guy with credible experience should get the job. Lewis would be a great candidate.
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Joey303 says:
Dave Lewis would be excellent. A former head coach – bring him back!! Although we got Butch in the trade
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mrlbem says:
In a perfect world, Lewis would be the choice. I love Cairns (and that photo of Eric effectively ending the NHL career of that piece of crap Corson–remember how he kicked Cairns at the end of the fight–brings a tear of joy to my eye), but he should cut his teeth in the AHL a bit longer. I’d also like the Lewis choice because it would show that Gordon isn’t worried about having a bona fide head coaching candidate as an assistant.
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I don’t know Cairns brain, but being a teacher and a student are two different avenues. Cairns may have the defensive knowledge to teach (and apparently he’s good at development) despite lacking the talent to succeed as a player.
The list looks good. Maybe Gordon picks two names and Chabot leaves. Who knows. Was Chabot responible for the power play this season?
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Pete M says:
Why all the hating on Eric Cairns? No one here knows anything about how well he’s been performing the tasks he’s been asked to do with the organization or his ability to be a coach. So what he wasn’t a top 4 defenseman during his career. What does that have to do with anything? I’m sure there have been plenty of successful coaches and assistant coaches in this league that never even played a minute in the NHL. Sure he doesn’t have the coaching pedigree yet that a guy like Dave Lewis has but some of you guys are making him out to be some buffoon.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
of course its Cairns. CB only being nice with 5-1.
if he said 1-1 it wouldnt be interesting.
That sucks. I agree, we need more experience coach as assistant. Not a former NHL goon. Cairns was never good defensively. what would make him good coach.
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Yesterday coral springs isle fan made the (IMO very good) point that ones previous NHL career success has little if anything to do with ones potential coaching career.
A great player might be but doesnt necessarily have to be a great coach- and vice versa. In academics, geniuses are sometimes poor teachers. I think it might be because, in both sports and academics, when someone is truly gifted a large part of their success is from inherent almost instinctual abilities. They didnt need to learn as much form a teacher as other students did. Its the players that really had to study and learn from others themselves who might be able to understand what worked and pass that on to their own students.
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admin says:
To be fair, I should point out that Peter Laviolette, Paul Maurice, Dan Bylsma and Mike Babcock were amazing NHL players. And Joel Quenneville was one of the best defensemen I’ve ever seen…CB
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joe says:
love cairns but dave lewis is the best choice
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Spinner9 says:
I would love to see Dave Lewis. Besides being a former Islander, he played a defensive style (very responsible) that hopefully he could impart to some of the youngsters. His head coaching experience and knowledge of the league would also reap benefits.
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hale says:
i don’t understand the anit-cairns group??? he is coming up the system just like a young player would..scout..behind the bench in b’port…what is the problem..i can tell you the kids in bridgeport LOVE HIM
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Willis says:
Pablo, why in the world would Denis Potvin, at his age, want to leave his home, where he presumably has a good amount of free time to do anything he wants, to come up here and spend all of his time working UNDER Scott Gordon, who is in his 2nd year as an NHL coach?? Especially since he would have to deal with Snow and Wang regularly as well. Does this really make sense to you? Think about it.
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Vinny says:
I Love TKO ERIC CARINS!!! But yea i dont think he should be the defensive coach. Maybe if there was a fighting coach then yea, because the Isles need to start standing up to other teams that hit them around and they must start fighting back.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Cairins was my guess yesterday … I almost forgot about Dave Lewis … I’m just not sure he’d be keen on an AC job. Dave Lewis would make the most sense experience wise … but he might have to many unwelcome opinions for Gordon … two different styles of coaching.
I think if Cairns is already working with players at the Bridge … and he’s got a good working relationship with current NHL players … he just might be the guy.
I’m not sure … and I’m less qualified to pick an NHL assistant coach than I am picking 1st round draft picks … but at least with draft picks I get a good measure of the players from the draft services.
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Tobi says:
What about Mike Sullivan?
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striet02 says:
haha thanks Cb you just said what was on my mind regarding cairns. Its rather the opposite where most great players dont turn out to be such excellent teachers. However, I do agree with a comment from above that Cairns should stay in the A and get some more experience. Hes just dipping his feet right now theres no need to push him in. I also agree with the isles needing some credibility. Id love to have Dave Lewis, but i wonder if him and Gordon can have a good working relationship. With Lewis being the elder im sure he would want plenty of input, but Gordon seems to like to do things his way or no way at all so it should be interesting to see who winds up back there.
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UIF says:
I don’t know much about how any of these people are as coaches, but I’d like to see some sort of “gray-beard” somewhere on the staff. We always talk about how with players it’s so important to have experience mixed in with youth, so maybe the same is true for a coaching staff as well…someone who’s been there. I don’t know if I’d want to see Gordon clear the slate and replace everyone with people who have very little to no experience coaching in the NHL…and especially very little to no experience coaching at the AHL level either.
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joey bagodonuts says:
…and scott gordon was one of the greatest goalies ever to play the game.
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Of those choices, I would take Dave Lewis because of his Red Wings experience. Detroit have been fantastic for so many years, and the hope is that Lewis can bring in knowledge of how to build a cup winning defense. What is an associate coach?
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Coach B says:
Dave Lewis unless the Islanders go with another defenseman who has ties-Gerry Hart.
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Ron says:
I hear it will be Richie Pilon. He’ll do an excellent job when he’s down at ice level with the players, but he’ll spend about half the time up in the pressbox with a nagging injury.
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C. Felix says:
The mysterty d-man guy?
I got $50 on Dennis Vaske.
Yes, Cairns might not have been an outstanding d-man in the league, but, we don’t know how he’s doing with what responsibilities the Isladners have given him.
But…you do hear quite a bit how he’s hands on with some of the prospects and stops by to watch people like Hamonic and Ness play games, to talk to them, to give them a pointer or two. You also hear quite a bit how the prospects love seeing him. (Perhaps the drinks are always on Cairnsey.)
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Just supposed … the Isles select Dave Lewis as the defensive coach … and if a second position opens … because the Isles let go of Chabot … do you think that UFA Mike Sillinger would be a great candidate for the position of offensive coach? When you think of everything Silli has had to endure … as a small sized forward playing for so long and for so many teams … he’s got to know half the league for God’s sake. Silli has always been a fave player of mine … and I think he’s been a great teacher for many of the players in the league today. Class act, hard working smart player with experience in special teams and pressure situations.
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volmeeezy says:
i think cairns would be great .. still remember him killin shane corson .. maybe he can light a fire under some of these young guys … also , the way you were as a player has very little to do with how you will be as a coach.. its very possible that some one may know the game in and out , but lacks the physical ability to carry out those actions
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blitz says:
NYI need NHL playing and coaching experience at this point. Lewis has a winning pedigree as an assistant coach and worked with premier/elite players during DET’s dominance (and continued…). SC winner too.
Gordon can run the show, but Lewis appears to be a great shoulder to lean on. The concern here is that Gordon may be that comfortable with a former NHL head coach, albeit a failed one in 2 places) sitting 2nd chair.
Carins. Seems interesting, but needs to go through the AHL ranks before being promoted to NHL assistant. Wit the BST shuttle still prominent his effectiveness will remain in BST.
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Strummer's Army says:
Off your list Cairns, Lewis, and Chynoweth would be great. Since Cairns already works for the Isles I say hire Lewis and Chynoweth. The team could easily hire two new assistants and they are both should excellent hockey men it would be great to have them both and still have Cairns.
They did seem like they were grooming Cairns with his many “guest” assistant coaching experiences in Bridgeport last season.
One name Mr. Botta left off since we are sticking with former Isles d-men is Kevin Cheveldayoff. Like Chynoweth a former Isles first rounder and very successful coach and GM. Strong ties to Butch Goring for what that is worth.
I hate Rick Tochett. Seeing TB’s moves really makes me feel better about the Isles.
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Clarification: The concern here is that Gordon may NOT be that comfortable with a former NHL head coach, albeit a failed one in 2 places) sitting 2nd chair.
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Blizzard says: Dave Lewis.
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dalcy says:
Cairns went from a glass jaw Ranger to a legitimate tough guy Islander. he would be fine by me.
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MikeyMitts says:
I am not in favor of Carins as a choice. We are talking about high speed NHL defence not the old hook and hold style he is not so far removed from, where he wasn’t that effective. A couple of great fights durring the playoffs shouldnt cloud the past. HE used to get burned alot. We need to make sure guys don’t just get jobs because of relationships. Part of rebuilding means breaking old ties and going with the head instead of the heart. Where Morrow and Potvin are concerned they were both highly skilled defencemen although i can’t see them wanting to go into a fulltime roll like this.
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C.J. says:
My money is also on Cairns…
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Tom Renney LMAO
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misterpink says:
Eric grew quite a bit as an Islander, both as a fighter and a D-man. His limitations defensively were largely due to his skating (read: slow), and less about his mental capacity for the position.
When Jagr goes out of his way to say you are the toughest guy to play against in the entire league – you must be doing something right.
I recently posted on one of those stupid polls that Eric was one of my top 5 favorite Islanders. Its not always about the stats. From fighting Barnaby in the coliseum hallways between periods of a game, to his contribution to the Isles/Rags rivalry revival years ago – giving fits to Purinton/Theo/Crackhead/Headache and the whole bunch .. to the center ice beating of Corson – you could see the pride of being an Islander at that moment was just dripping out of Cairns like no other player in modern Isle history.
Yesterday everyone wanted homegrown this and homegrown that. The Islanders made Eric a man – give him an opportunity to return the favor.
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Do we even know if Dave Lewis’s defensive philosophy and style mesh with the system that has been put in place in the organization? Seems to me its an important question. He can have all the coaching experience in the world, but if he’s not on the same page as Gordon, whats the point?
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Chris Mc says:
I think everyone who is anti-cairns are also the people saying if Snow doesnt pick Tavares theyll stop being Islander fans. Snow and Gordon are going to pick the man they believe is best for the team, with the Number 1 pick and with their coaches. You dont know anything about how Cairns is as a coach so how on earth can you bash him if hes the selection?
And I like how everyone complains that Gordon should be able to pick his own staff and then mock Cairns as a candidate. If Eric is the guy the Gordon wants, then, well as you all put it, let the head coach pick his own staff
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Bill Stewart.
He could also consult the team on how to smuggle Petrov out of Russia.
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Helene says:
Hey there #50 – thanks for putting forward “Silli” in the coaching mix. With all he has endured, obviously he’s not part of the skating team. But at a Booster Club meeting he did say that he wants to coach when his playing days are over. A more dedicated hockey player, great all-around guy, and younger than our glory day greats, he certainly would be a BIG addition to the coaching staff. And he’s not necessarily a “Nolan” guy.So Cairnsy and Silli on the bench – a winning combo to halp Gordon.
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BTBoss says:
Could the Isles ties be former Isles D-man Gord Dineen?
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Jim Clark says: Why is it so important the assistant coach have “Islander ties”? Shouldn’t they
be looking for the best possible candidate
or is that heresy for a team that hasn’t won a post season series in 16 years? -
K021 says:
How about Denis Potvin?
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Irish Isle says:
To #50, in Logan’s blog today he stated that Silli is at least going to see if the hip is healthy and get invited to a team’s training camp.
Now when Lewis was hired by the Bruins, I was actually hoping the Isles were going to tab him that year, so that is who I am leaning to.
However as long as it is someone Gordon feels comfortable working with, I wont mind too much,
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kudos #63. that was funny.
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My out of left field name (and this is complete speculation) is Craig Ludwig, a guy who has a lot of assistant coach experience (including with the Stars). But I’m not sure a) why he would be on the Isles’ radar and b) why he would uproot his family from Dallas to take the job. So my guess is Cairns. Of course, I know nothing and am just speculating.
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Thomas32 says:
Im going with Dave Lewis!!
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Its Doug Houda
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pete says:
Are you kiding me Cairns is a frigging HACK
Dave Lewis would be a great choice, as would Dave Baseggio. I would rather Cairns cut his teeth in the AHL coaching for another year or to before he gets a chance at standing behind the bench for the Isles.