Within the next week, the assistant coaches to Mike Babcock will be announced. The question is: will he stick with Barry Smith/Joey Kocur or bring his assistants from Anaheim (Lorne Henning/Paul MacLean)? Personally, I think it would be interesting to compromise- keep Barry Smith and combine him with Henning or MacLean. Smith is a great coach and someone who I believe would still be a strong asset to the team. He knows the players and can help Babcock adjust to a new team. He can help the players make the transition a smoother one from one head coach to another. On the other hand, I don’t see how Babcock will keep Kocur. Maybe he’ll go back to his job as video coach or something, but I don’t see Kocur being a valuable fixture to the coaching staff.
But would it be better for a completely fresh start? New head coach. New assistant coaches. New CBA. Possibly new players. I know Holland doesn’t want the team to remain stale, but after the Bowman/Lewis era- will it be to much of an adjustment with an entirely new coaching staff?
It’ll be interesting to see who Babcock picks for his staff in the coming week. Smith told the media on Monday that he will be meeting with Babcock later this week. Holland hasn’t decided what would be best for the team in this situation: “Is it important to have a (previous) assistant that’s going to give Mike knowledge about the players and how players handle certain situations?” Holland said. “Or is it important to have a totally new staff, where players don’t have any comfort level and are trying to impress the staff? I’m not going to force anybody on Mike, and he’s not going to force anything. We’re going to work together.”
In other news…
Holland and Nill went to New York for a meeting on Sunday with other NHL officials. There they received a crash course in the new CBA. Comments on the specifics of this agreement will not be allowed until its ratification.
Holland is praying for a miracle in landing the number one pick in the entry draft on Thursday during the lottery. The Detroit Red Wings have been given one ball. Detroit has a 2.08% chance of winning the top prize, Sidney Crosby. “We’re going to go to church and be on our knees for a week, like every other team in the league,” he said. “There’s a special player (Sidney Crosby) out there.”
I personally don’t see Mike keeping any of the current assistants on staff. Yes, Barry could make the transition a little easier but I think Barry could also provide a barrier between Mike and the players when and if an issue would arise and that’s not what we’re looking for. The players don’t need an “out” or someone to go to to vent. It si very important that they be able to be candid and open with the new staff and not have anyone to run to or hide behind. Just my opinion….
I agree, Kevin. Babcock is just interviewing Barry and Joe as a formality - a sign of respect. I would be shocked if he didn’t bring in his old staff or someone outside of the organization. If Babcock needs advice about the current players, he could talk to Scotty, the team consultant, rather than keep Barry and Joe around for that…Joe might end up coaching in the minors somewhere if he doesn’t take his old position of video coach back. As for Barry, he might find an opening for head coach somewhere in the league…
You guys bring up very great points. Somehow I temporarily spaced out about Scotty being a team consult (how could I?) and now I don’t see Barry staying or being that necessary. I don’t forsee why Joey would stay outside of being the video coach.
Thanks for commenting and giving me your guys’ very valid points!