That Empty Coach's Chair

Not a whole lot going on around the TBC offices here of late. The Stanley Cup Finals have been exciting, but you don't need us to tell you that. Thrasher news should pick up more in a week or two with the draft and free agency coming up.

Dudley has said he doesn't necessarily want or need to have a coach lined up before free agency begins. In his interview with Ben Wright (too lazy to look up link), he indicated that some players would refuse to play for some coaches and so it could actually hurt you to make a hire before signing your free agents. Personally I would think it might be a better approach not to list that as your reasoning lest players STILL avoid your team because they think you're planning to hire such a coach.

Speaking of coaches, I know we at TBC are on the record as saying we'd like an experienced NHL coach, but all rumors to this point have had Dudley looking at AHL coaches and NHL assistants. Why not dip down another tier to the Juniors and pick up a respectable former player who is doing wonders with the young'uns in the CHL? Somebody like, say, Dale Hunter of the London Knights?

Hunter was as hard working and hard nosed as they come as a player. Since the 02-03 season, his Knights have finished no worse than 2nd in the Midwest Division of the OHL and have won a Memorial Cup. In that time he has coached the likes of Patrick Kane, John Tavares, Corey Perry, Rob Schremp, and David Bolland. Apparently the man knows how to develop young talent.

If Hunter isn't ready for the jump to the NHL, then he should get a close look the next time the Wolves job opens up.