One of the challenges of running a daily hockey site in my free time is the seemingly uncanny ability for big events to happen when they do not fit with other obligations. For the paid media, they just shift whatever else they are doing around because it is part of their job. Hence the delay covering today’s big news.
I mostly covered the topic in my article addressing the pros and cons of Brind’Amour as an option on April 25.
But Rod Brind’Amour officially named as the head coach, let me add a bit to my thoughts from a couple weeks ago.
He is the right type of player to be a good head coach
The NHL like pretty much every other sport is littered with stories of great players who were not even remotely successful at coaching. Playing and coaching are two completely different skill sets despite being within the same profession. As such, it is a risky move to put a player with no head coaching experience or success at any level in a head coaching role at the NHL level. No doubt, there is a chance that this move fails.
But risk noted, I do think that because of the type of player that Rod Brind’Amour was that he is the right kind of player to succeed as a coach. His strength as a player was not raw skill. His strengths were his work ethic and effort and also his leadership. Those traits, especially the latter, translate well to coaching. The work ethic thing is tricky because even if Brind’Amour leads well, it just is not possible to get the same level of commitment from everyone he coaches. But if he can demand and receive a high level of commitment and push or inspire the players to reach a higher level commitment-wise both individually and as a group, there are gains to be had there.
But even more significantly, Brind’Amour was able to work with and lead people has the potential to be a game changer. For all of his strengths and weaknesses, Peters lacked the ability to get the most out of his players. When goalies went astray, they spiraled under Peters. When young players struggled to find their way, they also seemed to get stuck. And more concretely, the 2017-18 Carolina Hurricanes underperformed relative to potential and because of how it went down with the freakish fragile streaks that seemed to pop up whenever the team seemed ready to turn the corner, I chalk it up to attitude and mentality, not skill level. If there is one area where Rod Brind’Amour is most likely to excel as an NHL coach, I think this is it. I think he has the emotional IQ to manage and coach players on an individual level and to help the organization receive closer to the best possible for more of the roster.
The next step up for this team has little to do with systems, tactics and Xs and Os
Building off of what I said in my original article, the next step up for the Hurricanes will not come from tactical changes. It will come when the team is able to exorcise some demons, lift some monkeys off backs and generate a new mentality. I think Brind’Amour gets this, and if he can jolt the system and effect a change in this regard, I think that alone could be the change needed and difference between another playoff miss and a return to postseason action.
Other angles on Tuesday’s Rod Brind’Amour announcement
Expediting the roster makeover
I think a side benefit of hiring from within is that Brind’Amour already knows what he has in the locker room. So with regard to fixing the complicated attitude issue, he starts immediately with a pretty good idea of who he ideally wants to stay and who goes. The process of making this happen is messy and could take awhile as the team tries to get fair trade value for good players, but especially with Rick Dudley on board and Don Waddell officially the general manager that the stage is set for the next makeover which is the roster.
With the aim of starting anew attitude-wise, my best guess is that two things happen. First is that the team leans toward new over old in terms of the depth players. The group in Charlotte continues to excel, and bringing in a couple new players makes for more of a reset. The bigger question is which, if any, of the young veteran core is changed out. It is difficult to speculate on specific players, but I will be surprised if the team just pushes forward into 2018-19 with the same group.
Does Tom Dundon now shift to the business side of the house?
The changeover on the hockey operations side of the house has obviously been significant. Gone are the top two in Ron Francis and Bill Peters. In are Don Waddell, Rick Dudley, Rod Brind’Amour and Paul Krepelka. The team at least for the foreseeable future is built on the hockey operations side. If Dundon is true to his word that he wants to hire good people and empower them, that time is here.
Meanwhile on the other side of the house…With Dundon focused on a massive makeover of the hockey operations team, things have at least externally been quiet on the business/marketing side of the house. Don Waddell vacated his post atop the group to move to the hockey side, but otherwise the rest of that group is seemingly mostly still intact. If Dundon’s reaction to lack of success on the ice is any indication, changes could be coming swiftly and aggressively on the business/marketing side of the house as he turns his attention there next. No doubt, the situation was challenging selling a run of playoff misses, but the product has grown stale over the years, and it shows in attendance and a dearth of energy in the building save for the occasions where opposing fans create their own spectacle.
The coaching staff
The last thing remaining on the hockey operations side is the assistant coaches. With a first-time head coach, how this shakes out is absolutely critical. I lobbied pretty hard for Francis to add a veteran head coach or two to the staff in “consultant” or similar roles to give Bill Peters someone with experience to lean on when the ups and downs of a long NHL season kicked in. To this day, I wonder if the 2017-18 season could have played out differently if there was someone else to help figure things out quickly when they were broken.
Brind’Amour’s promotion obviously opens up one slot with Steve Smith currently sitting in the other bench coaching slot. Being an assistant for a young, inexperienced head coach is not something that would appeal to everyone, but critical will be identifying and recruiting at least one good addition to the staff, ideally someone with head coaching experience.
Too much inward focus?
Rumors, rumblings and innuendos from the Canadian media largely suggest that the Carolina Hurricanes are in turmoil with a meddling owner and therefore that no one wants to sign up. With the general manager search that started up, had multiple candidates quickly withdraw from consideration, then get moth balled and finally ended with Don Waddell winning the job, the assertions are not completely without basis. Now with the addition of Don Waddell’s buddy and a coaching hire from within, the Hurricanes at least in terms of transactions are very much a closed off group. That may not bode well for adding talent from outside in the future, and it also does not seem to necessarily align with generating a shake and change in mentality. Only time will tell if the Canadian media is on to something or if we are witnessing an ‘I did it my way’ story of success that flies directly in the face of the establishment.
The opinions of the Caniac Nation
Because of my delay, a good number of well thought and varied reader opinions below represent great reading.
In addition, a quick, informal poll mid-day Tuesday on Twitter yielded interesting results.
Where do you land on @NHLCanes naming Rod Brind'Amour as head coach?
— Canes and Coffee (@CanesandCoffee) May 8, 2018
If you didn’t vote and therefore cannot see the results, they were 34% Yay, 17% Nay and 49% Not sure yet as of late Tuesday night.
Am curious to see even more viewpoints appear in the comments on Wednesday.
Go Canes!
I said previously I would support whoever was named as coach and/or general manager. I am sticking with that and I am going all in to support both Brindamoor and Waddell. I really was looking for an outside person for both positions, but really I cannot really see anyone who would knock my socks off. So “Let’s go Canes” and move on to a successful 2018-19 season after which we can celebrate the success of these selections. If our youngsters are a big part of this future success. it will also allow us to bring back Ron Francis and give him the credit he will have earned also.
I am sure some of the other contributors to this site will have different opinions from mine. That’s okay with me as I have said before, “No one ever anointed me as the Nostradamus of hockey.” My track record speaks for itself unforunately( I keep asking Matt to expunge all my commentary history). Looking forward to cts, davidavid, powerless, raleightj, breezy, live_free, and all the other’s comments and I will read them all. You all along with Matt are an integral part of my hockey experience and always present your arguments and disagreements in a courteous and logical manner.
I am with RR in that I want the Canes to succeed above all else.
My preference was for Vellucci because I like the success in Charlotte–my hope is that he stays on there as he could build a mini-dynasty in the AHL.
My biggest concern remains with TD. The actions repeatedly aren’t following the message. The ownership was going to lead to new ways and new ideas. Today’s announcements are pretty far from that. Though I am still hopeful. Maybe RBA will listen Tulsty and adopt something like the Vegas model and move away from hierarchical lines. Use the players for what they do best!
In summation. RR is correct. I love watching the Canes win, a close second is reading the discussion her at C&C. Thanks everyone–next year could be really exciting.
I want Rod to be successful but…
Why hire the assistant to the guy you just ousted. Forwards and PP were a big let down every season and that was apparently RBA’s department. I was pretty vocal about thinking BP was getting more than you could reasonably expect from the rosters he was given. I’d be interested to find out how much autonomy RBA had with the PP though because the 50/50 split between units 1 and 2 was very troubling.
Assistant coaches do not have the influence you are implying. Assistants don’t set the tone in the locker room. Assistants implement the plans of the HC. Assistants have to bargain to try to get the right players, if they even exist, on the PP. They work with what the HC gives them. If you think Rod Brind’Amour is a just a different version of Bill Peters you are way off. This is a change, and a big one.
I don’t think he’s another version of Peter’s. My gut feeling is he’s a worse alternative.
I remember one interview in particular during an offseason where BP said explicitly that RBA was going to spend the summer working on the powerplay is why I’m curious how much autonomy he had.
I totally agree lessthanstable RB will get these guys to buy in to his relentless work ethic and provide great leadership that this group so desperately needs.
Three themes to my thoughts on this. I am a Canes fan, but of course!, but I am not a fan of today’s news. As I tweeted, today I am from Missouri. Show Me.
1. RBA
RBA is great with the players – it is what made him a great player development coach in his early days coaching here. But can he do Xs and Os. Can he set up a system of play and make adjustments based on personnel and circumstances. That doesn’t come from playing on the ice – that comes from time and experience standing behind a bench doing it (not “you don’t know until you try”, as he said about the prospect a few weeks ago; and not watching someone else do it). Great players do not necessarily (or usually) make great coaches in any sport. And we already had the Kirk Muller experience which eventually seemed to devolve into “throw the puck on the ice and let the boys play”.
2. Vellucci
I really wanted Vellucci and I thought the delay in naming a coach was because they wanted the Checkers to finish their Calder Cup run to avoid a distraction. He has success at multiple levels – 15 years as a HC; 15 years of making the playoffs. The Checkers’ players seem to love him – he is excellent at teaching, motivating – and holding players accountable in such a way that they improve (witness Gauthier this season). With a young team, balanced with veterans, he was the ideal selection.
Did he want the job? – if so, will he feel miffed that he didn’t get it and start to look for the opportunity to coach at this level that he is demonstrating that he deserves.
Please don’t insult the man by offering him an assistant coach position next to a man who has never been a head coach before (outside of maybe a peewee league??).
Vellucci has earned the spot. RBA, not so much…
3. Waddell
I have done some research into both Waddell and Dudley, and I find it scary. Scary that Dudley has a history of trading away top picks. Scary that Waddell held GM position at Atlanta for 10 years and through bad drafts and bad trades, offered only mediocrity. Has either of them learned from their mistakes? If so, what did they learn?, and how did they learn it?
It is known that one of TD’s best friends is Mark Cuban. When Cuban bought the Mavs he also had no experience owning a sports franchise. But he had the legendary Don Nelson as GM (and coach). TD has Waddell. Although they share the same first names, Waddell is no Nelson.
tj. I am trying to stay positive because I think Svechnikov can be the elite player that along with Aho can make the Canes a top tier team starting in 2020 for 5-10 years. With additional top players like Teravainen, Slavin, Pesce, and what Hanifin and Necas can turn into, the team could be competing with Winnipeg and Toronto every year in the playoffs.
But——-I agree that Vellucci made much more sense. AND Waddell/Dudley don’t inspire great faith.
So netted out, not a great day. But I am not going to let it diminish my enthusiasm unless the new brain trust determines not to select Svech.
ct – What management does with that pick is, to me, the biggest tell on the future of the franchise and what is envisioned/projected/desired by management and ownership. It will be a long 7 weeks.
Getting your first NHL coaching gig beside an NHL legend is an insult? Wow. Vellucci hasn’t even finished one year of coaching outside of juniors and he is way more qualified than a guy who played in the league for 20 years and coached for 6? Please.
Indeed – when it comes to playing, RBA is a legend. When it comes to coaching he is unproven. So, yes, Vellucci is way more qualified to be a HC than RBA. Without a doubt.
Huge difference between Juniors and NHL. It’s very rare to see a coach make that jump. It will be interesting to see how Jim Montgomery does in Dallas. Vellucci was in Plymouth for a long time. Why didn’t anyone else want him then? Honestly, I’m not trying to knock Vellucci. He has done well in Charlotte and I hope they keep winning. Just the same, HC experience is one attribute, but only one, that you look for in a HC. Knowledge of the pro game for example is another. Vellucci sorely lacks that knowledge compared to Brind’Amour.
RBA knows less about head coaching than Muller (also a rather good player in his time) did when Muller took the reins. I see RBA as a great one-on-one with players – like I said, the player dev coach. Players love playing for Vellucci as part of a team, as it was in juniors so is it, and more, in Charlotte. There is a huge difference in being HC and being an AC at any level. I just didn’t want the Canes to pick a coach who is going to have to learn the job as he goes. And, again, great players don’t make great coaches – in any sport. I won’t mind being wrong here – but I am going to hate to be right.
I was in the bring in outsiders camp. New GM and new coach with a different perspective. However, the guy who signs the checks makes these decisions.
It seems clear that Dundon has a lot of respect for Waddell and Brindamour. After Waddell brought out the old school turtle neck and brought home the second pick I’m starting to like him.
I’ll say this for the Canes. Don’t show up late for practice and be in great shape. Brindamour is one of the most intense players I have ever seen. Let’s hope that translates to the players he has on the team this fall.
One last thing to consider. Brindamour clearly wanted the job. He publicly lobbied for it. I love that. He wants to be part of Carolina’s return to relevance. Pulling for the new coach and GM.
I am and always will be a Canes fan and will support anyone who can make this franchise successful (well, anyone reasonable), and Roddy is a bonified hall of fame hockey legend.
but holy stinking makril,, am I alarmed by TD’s decisions so far.
His mantra was that his job was to hire someone better than what we have currently.
He follows that up by hiring a head coach that was a part of the problem and has no coaching experience to boot, also his PP was sub abismal. He does not hire the coach who is performing miracles and knows the incoming players better than anyone.
Then he promotes a guy who traded away picks and prospects and was part of the downfall of the Thrashers (yes, we can split hairs about his part in the fiasco, but the mess was so bad the team was allowed to relocate) as GM.
In one of his “plus and minus” blogs over on Hockeybuzz, James Tanner, a great hockey writer, said the Hurricanes front office moves were downright comical, unless you are a Canes fan.
If you can dig up the Wral interview with Dudley when he was hired, it is the most uninspiring “I don’t give a damn about the job, I just want to hang out with my friend” interview I’ve ever seen.
I realize that I was on the let RF go bandwagon, but I always envisioned he would be replaced by someone with experience and connections.
Well, it is up to these 3 gentlemen to make me eat my words. I will gladly do so (if I can wash them down with some Aviator brew), but I have to say if you want to ruin my optimism for this team next season, TD is coming close.
I am delighted with Tom’s choices of Roddy for head coach and Don as GM.
But, like my new friend Eric, I am curious. First of all, I too am curious as to how much autonomy both Roddy and Steve were given by Bill for their respective areas of responsibility. My best guess would be little.
I would also like to know how many players are asking to be traded. I would also like to know how many candidates for both coach and GM turned us down because of the mess the Canes find ourselves in. Will free agents and trade candidates elect to not come here for similar reasons? I think so. Will elite draft picks refuse to come here as well? It is a very real possibility.
But I believe that our new brain trust of Tom, Don, Rick, and Roddy can weather the storm.
I wonder if Steve will stay as well as who will replace Roddy as assistant?
I, for one, am not having misgivings about Roddy’s lack of head coach experience.
As always, in matters of what’s happening behind the scenes, my curiosity will likely never be satisfied.
One more thing.
If I were Tom, looking at the mess I had just purchased, I would look at the one part of it that works and ask myself if I would want to screw it up?
So I too would want to keep the one part of it running smoothly while I tried to fix the rest.
So I would keep the Checkers just the way they are with a successful coach.
I like both moves as these were my preferred choices since the offseason began.
Rod – Nobody can argue with a man who reached the pinnacle of hockey success for this particular team. Right now a ‘winning mentality’ is the most important vibe to re-establish more so than system changes. Dundon and company did their due diligence, talked to players and staff, and the results apparently pointed to Rod. Sure, we could have brought in someone from the outside, from even a winning system and different culture. But how many winning coaches do we see successful in one city fail to reach pinnacle in the next (Bylsma, Hitchcock, Julien to name a few)? How many assistants come from other winning teams and translate this into success (didn’t we just have one in Peters)? So at the end of the day Rod knows this team, this city and can relate to adversity and our existing players better than anyone from the outside. I get he was an assistant and there are folks who claim he should have proven more, but let’s remember assistant coaches while responsible for aspects of the game rarely have FULL control. Rod can now hire assistants to carry out the X’s and O’s in HIS ways. This straight-line all hands on deck attitude will be viral. This is what excites me most.
Waddell – Similarly, Don knows the making of this team and city enough to have a head start on other outside GM’s. I think it’s obvious by now he speaks Dundon’s language and is willing to be part of the re-designed lateral front office. He comes with a load of GM/Hockey Ops experience, and yes, while Atlanta never thrived the ownership there was very bad (owners favored the basketball team over all else) and ultimately led to the team’s relocation. Waddell and Dudley made some mistakes, plenty I’m sure, then again we all do. Those drafts in late 90’s through 2002 were not as good as they are today (‘Canes drafted poorly then, too) and who knows how much poor ownership played. Waddell and Dudley strike me as guys who learn and evolve, plus they want to win together and prove everyone wrong. They have my vote.
I’m taking a wait and see attitude. I understand the concerns about Don and Dick and the Thrashers, but both have Hockey pedigrees and experience. I will have to see what they do with trades, free agents and the Draft this summer. As far as Roddy goes I will give him a chance to see if he is given the right pieces to succeed, if not how does he work with the players given to him? Does he motivate to get the best out of them and surprise the fans? Again wait and see what he does.
I am very excited that Rod Brind’Amour will be the Canes coach. Would it be nice if he had HC experience? Sure. What he brings is instant respect inside the locker room. I have zero concerns that he will blow that part of the job. I also have zero concerns about the X and Os of the job. The guy has seen a lot of systems and surely he knows what he wants to do and how to do it. He was one of the most intelligent players on the ice along with the intensity and conditioning. To me the challenge Brind’Amour will face are the in game adjustments. Matching lines, making line changes etc. He’s never done that and that could have a learning curve for him. To me this is a great hire and way better than some retread that has been fired three or four times.
I’m not upset with the Waddell hire either. As far as I’m concerned he did a pretty good job bringing in talent to Atlanta. The problem was he couldn’t keep it due to awful owners and a horrible rink. Some of the key players on the Jets were Waddell adds in Atlanta. Wheeler, Byfuglien, Enstrom and Little were all Waddell guys. Pretty good, IMO.
It may have been an odd way to go about it, but the Canes have upgraded in the GM seat and at HC. Now it is time to upgrade the personnel. We’ll see how that goes.
I will say this. I truly hope I am wrong about both RBA and Waddell. Because if I am right it will definitely suck to be a Canes fan going forward.
All we can do is give RBA a chance – it wasn’t my $400M that changed hands earlier this year to give me an actual say – and wait and see how management handles the offseason.
Hey, you guys help me feel better about the news. The signs of a fun online community. *grin*
With the draft, if Tom has an open purse, this team could be close to last year’s version of the Jets (meaning next year they could make a playoff run). It takes a lot of things to go right, but this team has a selection of good and promising players right now.
I think a young kid exiting his RFA or his ELC is going to think of the money first and foremost, not a last shot at NHL glory and only signing with a winning team.
So I think the Canes offer good salary to a promising prospect the team won’t be a problem. Take them to a first Friday celebration and show them some of the local brews, and the kid should be convinced enough to give the city a chance too.
It aint no Vegas or Miami, but at least it doesn’t get down to 800 below zero, starting in October, like some Canadian cities.
I agree with what RR said. I am all in to support both Brindamoor and Waddell. There is not a doubt in my mind about the leadership capabilities or the work ethic. Hopefully he can instill that passion in the players. He knows what it takes and hopefully will hold them to a high standard. The only reason I had my reservations when this was first discussed is because the power play was so bad, and that was his baby. He was not able to motivate them, but there is probably more to it then what is viewable. Anyway, we now have a GM and coach. It is time to move on to the next chapter.
Not sure there were any better choices out there and there is no question about him being committed to the Canes. I see much more positive then negative. I am good with it.
Like everyone else, I just want the Canes to win and I’m going to be a fan regardless … so my starting point is the same as everyone else’s.
I have to say, I lived in Chicago in the mid-80’s and the first thing I thought about the minute I heard about RBA was Mike Ditka and the Bears. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because he was fiery and volatile and competitive and aggressive and needed to win and worked hard and all those things that we think the team lacks right now and needs most of all from its ultimate leader.
I have no idea whether it matters much whether Rod has experience being the boss behind the bench – I tend to doubt it. What I think matters more, the more I think about it, is the type of boss he is and what he expects – what he demands – from his players: effort, dedication, grit, determination.
Whoever is left on this roster after the next 8 weeks may depend in part on how much they want what Rod wants and whether Rod thinks they can handle it. I suspect that those conversations have already happened with TD and Waddell and JW and with the players themselves and that changes are coming.
As for Waddell, I just hope he doesn’t get cute with the #2 pick. Other than that, I hope he buys low and sells high – that might mean some unpopular trades, but I’m not capable of being surprised.
I need to see some concrete steps from this new combo.
Don’t mess with the 2 pick unless you trade it fo #3 and something exceptional.
Clear up the captain situation, give it to JW. Some teams can get by without a captain but I think one is needed to lead the group through the necessary transition.
An attempt to address the goalie situation. Just don’t resign Ward (nothing wrong with Ward, he is great but we need more help( and go with him and Darling. If the canes resign Ward and a third veteran or bring in a new veteran and buy Darling out or bring in a third veteran who can play real minutes or officialy promote Ned (probably to soon), this situation needs a change. If we sign the same duo I feel management is not trying to upgrade the most important position.
Pull off at least one impressive trade or UFA signing (at least one that looks good).
Mike Hoffman for skinner might work, one experienced D man, Evander Kane, trade with Buf for RoR, maybe something else, but some big trade that sends a “this team will be better” message.
An earnest attempt to reach out to the fans.
Playing hardball with the RFAs and UFAs, don’t automatically sign Lindholm to a lucritive long-term dea, a bridge deal is ok.
Wow!!! I’ve read all the input and I think each of the contributors presented logical arguments for their positions on things. You all sure have brought some life to what was shaping up to be a long dreary off season. Can’t wait until Brindy selects his assistant coaches. When he does, I’m going to shut up and look forward to what powerless, dmilleravid, ctcaniac, breezy, ice cobra, raleightj, lessthan, boogabob, live_free, jim97, erecversen, and any one else has to say. You guys really set forth a lot of good arguments to consider. One thing for sure, you all want the Canes to succeed.
Agreed! I’ll join the love fest! The writer (followed since Hockeybuzz) and the contributors are great here. Definitely always great reads… keeps me away from that dag on ledge 🙂 Thanks all!
One of the more interesting aspects of the RBA choice is the dynamic with Justin Williams. RBA and JW won a Stanley Cup together, with RBA as the grizzled veteran inspirational leader and JW as an up and coming lieutenant.
RBA pushed hard to bring in JW. My favorite recollection is RBA saying of JW “he plays the same way all the time”. Wether it was Peters system or soft-headed players, or both, we would play a certain way to get a three goal lead and then play a different way to blow it. I have longed to put those days in the rear view mirror.
The potential impact to captaincy is exciting. One good leader instead of two half leaders is always a better choice. No disrespect to the character or play of our half leaders, it is a rare skill.
So maybe JW retires and is hired as the forwards coach 🙂
Does anyone have a link or article that supports the idea RBA was a great development coach? That doesn’t exactly line up with reality for me unless were giving him credit for Ahos quick development.
This team was plagued by poor drafting but even when they seemed to have an ok prospect, they didn’t exactly reach expectations.
I like Rod a lot and honestly do hope he succeeds, I’d really like to feel as optimistic as some of the other commentors about this move.
Just for the record, I’m not optimistic about this move. I’m not pessimistic either. I’m simply processing it out loud in real time on this blog.
My reference had nothing too do with Aho or even his time as an asst. coach. His initial employment (maybe 4-6 years ago) was something along the lines of player development coach – working with individuals on training, skating, other aspects of the game.
Faceoffs… I believe that may be one place you could point to where he has had a direct impact. He has been teaching that and I would imagine that is an area where he had full authority on how and what to teach. We have been one of the best in the league if faceoffs since he has been here.
And I keep going back to JW’s statement of you don’t just say work harder, especially to young player, you explain what is wrong and why and show how to fix it. JW implied that is the way Roddy works.
The more I post and read and think about it… the more I like the Roddy hire. (Of course as we all know, I not only drank but swam in the coolaide last year… so there’s that :O)
Although I previously thought Vellucci was the best choice, I fully support the decision to name RB as HC. RB has earned the promotion IMO and his track record as an assistant reflects more of BP’s influence. RB should provide a smoother transition to the players than an outsider; he is well respected and could be a great motivator.
I think naming RB as coach (and Waddell as GM) also was influenced by timing and $’s. Time was growing short and Vellucci is in the midst of a playoff run. I lean optimistic about these moves.
agree 100%… was also leaning towards Velluci’s success, but now more for Rod…. and 1000% believe that the $$ were a HUGE factor in picking Rod.
And Rod does deserve the chance IMO!
I hope RBA is taking notes from the world championships. Aho and Teravainen (admittedly while playing against weak opponents) are on an explosive line whose third member is good at getting in front of the net.
Please Rod reunite the TAZ line to begin the season. Some question Zykov’s skating, but with Aho and TT his power skills will be rewarded.
Another note from the tournament–Necas has been on the ice for a majority of goals by the Czech team in his two games. He is also winning 62.5% of face-offs. His speed is opening up the ice for teammates.
Please Rod pair Necas with the best goal scorer–Svechnikov. Find them an experienced winger who is solid and can also take face-offs. Trading for Pacioretty or RNH would be ideal. If no major trades can be pulled off, then move Rask to wing. The two youngsters will eventually be magic and Rask could rejuvenate his Canes’ career by being the glue.
Please Rod don’t buy into the rookies need to have limited ice time mentality: “start on a fourth line and earn more minutes.” That mentality is not going to succeed. Play to win. That last three 2OA picks have made an immediate impact. Most scouts/analysts are saying Svech is a better prospect than Patrick, so more like Laine/Eichel. Given the chance he could produce 20+ goals.
Okay with decision. Loved RBA as a player hope I love him as a coach. What about the likes of Whitney and Wesley beside him on the bench or Scott Walker.
Reactions to the hiring of the new coach and GM are quite varied from great plan to Quebec City- here we come. I would agree with the wait and see approach. It is fair to say that Waddell and Brind’Amour are experienced and dedicated hockey people. I hope the fans give them a chance. Canadian media should focus on curling until October.
I would suggest that the next two months will be quite revealing. Some things that can’t be messed up-
1. Draft the Russian
2. Acquire solid assistant coaches
3. Resign core players- this will help the fans see the way forward
Some things that will get the fan base excited-
1. A trade for a player or players who can make a difference
2. Bring in a nasty defenseman (not a goon) who will not tolerate snow getting thrown on our goalie
We are serious about making the playoffs-
1. Figure out the goalie situation
2. Resign Stormy to a 5 year extension
All these things to do and I hope the new team can get it done. Certainly not a boring offseason for the fans.
and bring back Ron the Ref!
You are correct sir. That guy is worth 4-6 points in the standings. Great catch.
I have heard from sources that prefer to remain confidential that is interest on high for Ron to trade his PNC Security jacket for a shirt with stripes..
I think most beer league hockey players would agree that Ron the Ref needs to stay retired.
Batman had Robin
Williams has McGinn
Stormy NEEDS the Ref
No Mascot is an island.
I like Roddy’s motivation and I think he would not work for an owner that is not seriously trying to win.
I’m not happy with the GM decision, it has to be said, Don Wandell has been a part of the problem, but he can prove me wrong.
I feel like I am trying to justify a very bad decision to myself, but time will tel.
The on ice personnel possibilities are exciting, that’s a fact.
The TAZ line is a given I think. Zykov is a fast skater, he placed top 5 in the AHL skating competition, he just needs to learn more about defensive responsibilities.
If we can trade Skinner to Mtl for MP and put him on a line with Necas and our Russian superstar-to-be we have a line that could be awesome, .. “could be” is the key, as 2 of the 3 players need to mature in the NHL and will have their shares of trouble in the first season even if they develop to be great players, we just have to accept that and let them play in all situations. And, true, I think Rask could be a good backup fit for the line if we can’t pry the Montreal captain lose.
If these work out we’ve upgraded 4 of our top 6 players with one trade, even with zero trades (if we consider Rask).
I guess staal and McGinn will be a second line duo, most likely with Williams. I don’t see those players being traded, staal is too big, McGinn played too well and JW will be the captain, and these seem to be a fit.
That leaves the rest of the roster plus Checkers competing for 3 spots (4 if you count the #13 slot).
WE’ll get into the trading possibilities plenty over the summer, but I feel these 3 lines are a logical build block and those would largely guide who stays or who goes.
Breezy. Glad to have some support in the TAZ fan club. It appears that Zykov has improved his defensive responsibility as he is being used on the penalty kill for the Checkers. (I am not sure about his speed as the AHL indicates it was Foegele who was in the speed competition https://theahl.com/2018-ahl-all-star-skills-competition). What I think some fans underappreciate is how good a shooter Zykov is. His wrister is near elite–he was 2 for 2 in the shootout for the Checkers. So while he will be a force because of how difficult he is to move from the crease, he will also be extremely dangerous as Aho’s and TT’s trailer who rips shots from around the dots. Zykov is also turning 23 next week, so while I understand those who are concerned with expectations for Svechnikov and Necas due to their youth, Zykov will actually be in between Teravainen and Aho age-wise.
what about putting JW with Necas and Svench… he could be a wise mentor for him. Speed may be a problem….however it may work…or maybe Skinny with the kids…
Zykov, Aho, TT
Mcguin, Staal, Skinny/Williams
Svench, Necas, Skinny/Williams
Wallmark, Rask, (bunch of candidates)
I was NOT a supporter of Brind’Amour based on his coaching track record taking the job – especially not over Velluci. With that said I think Velluci is best served returning to Charlotte again to continue developing the same group of young players. While I think there are better coaching candidates from an x’s and o’s perspective I do see merit in what Tom Dundon was saying in his press conference about – passion and the right personality is more important for this organization at this juncture than having a guy who is ‘marginally better’ at the detail aspects. The press conference today really made me more optimistic regarding what much of the hockey world is looking at as a “tire fire of turmoil” in Carolina. Perhaps this turmoil is actually the changes this franchise has needed to shift out of the mediocrity treadmill.
For me the most revealing things I have ASSUMED from listening is that – Tom Dundon, Tom Wadell, Rod Brind’amour (by extension of his press conference i’ll add Steve Smith) are all more or less on the same mindset wavelength and agree on what needs to change and agree upon the organizational processes that need to change. Tom Dundon also made another good point – Rod Brindamour is putting his LEGACY on the line with this decision – he isn’t Wayne Gretzky who can afford to let coaching blunders slide in favor of his hall of fame career, if Brind’Amour blows this his place in the franchise will be forever tarnished. And he knows that, yet he feels confident. He was the FIRST man to touch the Stanley Cup as a part of the Canes and now I have no choice but to have faith that his personality will right the ship and lead a young team with potential back to that point. I liked a lot of his comments about being a former player as a coach and my favourite parts about what he said was how there is a need to foster the attitude amongst the players that they LOVE each other and will go to WAR for each other – something that despite the nice guy qualities of the team do see to be lacking! Just remember when Scott Darling made the point about how the Canes dmen should surround their goalie after the whistle not let other team forwards be the last players standing around your net.
Another interesting point is that as much respect as I had for the job both Ron Francis and Bill Peters did here – am i right in guessing a huge problem was that they played their cards too close to their chest and didn’t collaborate enough with others in the organization? Is that the vibe that the current regime is implying regarding those two? I was shocked when I read that Brind’Amour said he thought Peters was fantastic but sometimes didn’t know what he was “thinking” because he didn’t share certain things.
With all that said – I don’t think Brind’Amour being shifted from assistant to head coach is going to magically motivate the SAME cast of the players that has missed the playoffs the last 3 years. The 2nd overall pick will help especially 2+ years from now, but as for next season if this team wants to be in the playoffs they NEED outside help. I read somewhere that this a shallow free agent class but tell me if getting 1, 2 or EVEN 3 of these free agents would not make this instantly a playoff team: JVR, Stastny, Kane, Neal, Perron, Rick Nash, Patrick Maroon, Riley Nash, and Tyler Bozak. Sure the first 3-4 will probably be quite pricey but the Canes have cap space and two of any of the above give you another reliable 40 pts with ‘veteran play styles’.
The subtractions to make those outside acquisitions happen are clear in my opinion: Victor Rask, Derek Ryan, and Lee Stempniak all exit the top 12 equation in favor of CLEAR cut upgrades at their positions. Ryan and Stempniak walk and however they can move Rask they have to do it.
Late to the party, but I like RBA as coach. I also like what it says about TD. Its pretty clear to all of us that a change of culture is what was most needed for this team. Bill was the X’s and O’s guy some are concerned about. By advanced metrics, the Canes have been a top tier team. That hasn’t translated to wins! What is missing is the necessary culture of a winner. TD hiring RBA says that he believes it too and that the losing culture will no longer be tolerated! The message will be consistent from the top on down. With the likely naming of JW as C, that will message will be loud and clear. That, for me, is the necessary baseline to return to relevance. I am confident that they will figure out who stays and who needs to go in this new culture. RBA has enough X’s and O’s knowledge to manage. What you can’t teach on a chalkboard is heart. The expectation that you will play hard, do the dirty work and show up every night is now set in stone and no player will be confused by that at all going forward. We have skill and lots more coming. Getting that skill to do what it takes to win is lacking. The RBA hire is the exact right decision for what this organization needs.
Yesterday I was one of the louder voices here against the hiring of RBA as HC. And I am not going to walk back any of my remarks. I still feel the same way. And I just don’t buy into the notion that RBA’s strengths are going to translate well into effective head coaching. That, in my book, remains to be seen. If it is successful it would be a very different model for success in head coaching, I think in almost any sport.
That said, on the podium today was the new leadership team – and the team will sink or swim with the efforts of RBA/TD/DW. As a Canes fan,I will them success and will be cheering for the team, of course.
I do agree with 50mc’s basic points – including the need for roster changes (and more significant than Rask, Ryan, and Stempniak), and the lack of connection between RBA and BP (why couldn’t RBA work his motivational magic as an AC?), and that the three of them, RBA/TD/DW, definitely seem to be on the same page.
#GoCanes
Oh my, tears in my eyes! If you haven’t seen the RBA press conference, skate on over to the canes site and have a look.
From memory, When asked about Justin Williams, RBA said “I love Justin Williams. You have to be careful as a head coach though and not play favorites. That said, he is my favorite. I would take 20 of him. We would be slow, but we would compete every night”
Lol! Love and teasing all at once, he will keep the players emotionally engaged all of the time and they will love it. And the press conferences will be fun.
If (as Matt proposed and TD agreed) this not about X’s and O’s or C’s and A’s, but rather getting the most out of players every night and holding them accountable, RBA will do it. He knows what it takes to be a champion.
I just saw Roddy’s press conference. I was impressed. Of course, Roddy has always impressed me.
Before he retired from professional fighting (MMA), my son worked out in the same gym with some of the Canes (Joe Corvo, Eric Cole, and others). They told him that after every game, Rod would work out in the weight room next to the locker room for 2 hours. They further told him that Rod’s record lifts were hard to beat.
I am certain that this present crop of players spends no more time lifting weights than they are required to do.
In his interview, Rod made a couple of telling statements. “You can’t fool me…” I think he will be uncompromising in his demands for both conditioning and performance on the ice. “You have to earn everything…” No favorites. Except maybe Willie, whom he loves. He said he wishes he could have 20 Willies. “We’d be slow, but we would win.” I also think it’s interesting that Willie was the only Canes player in attendance. Hmmm!
Rod and Tom agreed that each player will be evaluated as to whether he will stay or go.
They asked Don why he changed his mind and wants now to be GM. He was direct. He wants to be GM because we won the lottery and have the number 2 pick.
He knows that his phone will be ringing even though the Canadian press is bad mouthing us.
I recall the time when Eric Lindros was the number one pick. Quebec picked him. He refused to sign with them. A flurry of activity transpired. The Flyers and Rangers were bidding against each other.
The Flyers won the bidding. And Lindros was the franchise player they hoped he would be. But Quebec got several players who would be the core of a Stanley Cup winning team (after they relocated to Colorado).
So I am pleased. We can’t lose (fingers crossed, knocking on wood).
Slavin was there too. Williams and Slavin are the only players who actually live here.
Are you sure? I know that Cam Ward used to have a beautiful home in north Raleigh. But that was a few years ago. I haven’t seen him in a couple of years. He might have moved.
Ah…you may be correct. I thought he went back to Alberta in the summer when school was out. Just the same I heard he was there today as well…low key in the back. I think there is a big chance Ward won’t be back. Good guy, but the Canes need someone who may be able to take on the #1 role.
Slavin lives in N. Raleigh. Williams lives here – he bought his house here before he signed here. Staal has a big house here. Ward still lives here and, in fact, is building a new house here. Ward was at the press conference as well.