Pens New Head Coach Thread

[KG]

Yohe thinks KD would have interest in Drew Bannister. Dubas knows him from the Soo of course. I don't know much about Bannister other than he coached St. Louis's AHL team for a few years and then took over when Berube was bounced. When Montgomery became available St. Louis quickly fired him.

Doesn't sound like a very exciting candidate. I also see he has received zero votes on this poll, so that's that

[Gunnerfan]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

[dark_forces]

I think the only coach who falls into the "NHL coaching retread" category that would have a chance is Tocchet. Though Quinn sort of falls into this category, I don't think we'll see him stick around unless the new coach specifically wants him. Right off the bat, we can exclude Laviolette, Tortorella, Quenneville, etc.

[Puck-Lurker]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

He brought Keefe up from Soo to the Marlies, then to the Leafs. Keefe's coaching the Devils though and didn't seem like a nepotism hire, really.

I think the only coach who falls into the "NHL coaching retread" category that would have a chance is Tocchet. Though Quinn sort of falls into this category, I don't think we'll see him stick around unless the new coach specifically wants him. Right off the bat, we can exclude Laviolette, Tortorella, Quenneville, etc.

Tortorella for this org would be good only under very specific circumstances. It would have to be for a very short term. One full season at the VERY most. He's a guy you can bring in to hold a reign of terror and whip a team up to a one-off performance run. Any damage his style of coaching and personality does, is limited by the term he's around for and you might legitimately get something out of it.

Long term, I think he's something of a poison for a locker room and your team's optics. Small doses of poison can be useful, prolongued exposure not so much.

Whatever you think of Sullivan, he was quite professional and always spoke respectfully about his players in interviews and whatnot. Torts just can't help himself. There's no reason to think Dubas would ever hire him though.

[Cow_Master66]

I'd be shocked if they even entertained talking to Torts. He is exactly what this team needs - someone who would bench the lug-head Dmen - but I don't think they would ever seriously consider him.

[FLPensFan]

I'd be shocked if they even entertained talking to Torts. He is exactly what this team needs - someone who would bench the lug-head Dmen - but I don't think they would ever seriously consider him.

Disagree. He is what this team NEEDED. Does not need him moving forward.

Torts tends to have a short lifespan. Torts typically tends to find a way to alienate 1 or 2 of a teams best young players. Last thing we need is to bring in Torts to focus on the geriatric players on their way out and pissing off what little skilled youth we have.

[Puck-Lurker]

I'd be shocked if they even entertained talking to Torts. He is exactly what this team needs - someone who would bench the lug-head Dmen - but I don't think they would ever seriously consider him.

Disagree. He is what this team NEEDED. Does not need him moving forward.

Torts tends to have a short lifespan. Torts typically tends to find a way to alienate 1 or 2 of a teams best young players. Last thing we need is to bring in Torts to focus on the geriatric players on their way out and pissing off what little skilled youth we have.

Putting Torts behind the bench would have been a good move start of last season. Or the one before that. Try and short circuit something and jump start towards the playoffs.

I say good, meaning for the team and in the short term. Would still have hated it personally

But that path is blocked now. We've moved on further into rebuild land. Torts is all kinds of wrong for that.

[dark_forces]

I'd be shocked if they even entertained talking to Torts. He is exactly what this team needs - someone who would bench the lug-head Dmen - but I don't think they would ever seriously consider him.

Disagree. He is what this team NEEDED. Does not need him moving forward.

Torts tends to have a short lifespan. Torts typically tends to find a way to alienate 1 or 2 of a teams best young players. Last thing we need is to bring in Torts to focus on the geriatric players on their way out and pissing off what little skilled youth we have.

Putting Torts behind the bench would have been a good move start of last season. Or the one before that. Try and short circuit something and jump start towards the playoffs.

I say good, meaning for the team and in the short term. Would still have hated it personally

But that path is blocked now. We've moved on further into rebuild land. Torts is all kinds of wrong for that.

Honestly, I never want to see Torts behind the Pittsburgh bench. How many times does the same or similar result need to play out? Same with Laviolette. Things ended in Washington pretty much the same way they ended in New York. It makes me wonder why anyone hires these guys anymore. They must think: "it'll be different here!" We all know how this story ends. You're better off giving someone a fresh start, or at least someone whose story is still being written.

[Gunnerfan]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

He brought Keefe up from Soo to the Marlies, then to the Leafs. Keefe's coaching the Devils though and didn't seem like a nepotism hire, really.

I think the only coach who falls into the "NHL coaching retread" category that would have a chance is Tocchet. Though Quinn sort of falls into this category, I don't think we'll see him stick around unless the new coach specifically wants him. Right off the bat, we can exclude Laviolette, Tortorella, Quenneville, etc.

Tortorella for this org would be good only under very specific circumstances. It would have to be for a very short term. One full season at the VERY most. He's a guy you can bring in to hold a reign of terror and whip a team up to a one-off performance run. Any damage his style of coaching and personality does, is limited by the term he's around for and you might legitimately get something out of it.

Long term, I think he's something of a poison for a locker room and your team's optics. Small doses of poison can be useful, prolongued exposure not so much.

Whatever you think of Sullivan, he was quite professional and always spoke respectfully about his players in interviews and whatnot. Torts just can't help himself. There's no reason to think Dubas would ever hire him though.

I'm fully aware of Keefe, but he's not available. That's why I asked which one of his "buddies" would qualify. Additionally, most GMs hire based on past relationships. Its not a prerequisite but it should eliminated that person.

[FLPensFan]

David Carle is out. Signed an extension with University of Denver per Chris Johnston.

[thehockeyguru]

David Carle is out. Signed an extension with University of Denver per Chris Johnston.

Oof. He was my preferred choice

[bse]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

Dubas has hired or signed at least ten or more people to various positions who had been workimg for or alongside him in Toronto. Not nepotism, but kind of a country club atmosphere. I want fresh faces and voices, not only familiar ones.

[Antonio]

To quote myself from the other thread...

Dubas will probably look for someone from Toronto

I totally agree with you since he has shown a definite tendency towards players, staff, etc that he has some existing tie to.

[Gunnerfan]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

Dubas has hired or signed at least ten or more people to various positions who had been workimg for or alongside him in Toronto. Not nepotism, but kind of a country club atmosphere. I want fresh faces and voices, not only familiar ones.

Ok, but this is every GM in every sport. It's about trust at that level, so you should hire people you trust for the most important openings.

[KG]

Ross and others speculating that Manny Malhotra fits the mold of a HC Dubas is looking for. Former player, young, current AHL head coach, former NHL assistant (Toronto, Vancouver). Yes Dubas knows him. Would think he would at least get an interview.

[Daniel]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

Dubas has hired or signed at least ten or more people to various positions who had been workimg for or alongside him in Toronto. Not nepotism, but kind of a country club atmosphere. I want fresh faces and voices, not only familiar ones.

Ok, but this is every GM in every sport. It's about trust at that level, so you should hire people you trust for the most important openings.

I could understand if that GM has success, but he really didn't have much success in Toronto compared to the expectations.

[Puck-Lurker]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

Dubas has hired or signed at least ten or more people to various positions who had been workimg for or alongside him in Toronto. Not nepotism, but kind of a country club atmosphere. I want fresh faces and voices, not only familiar ones.

Ok, but this is every GM in every sport. It's about trust at that level, so you should hire people you trust for the most important openings.

I could understand if that GM has success, but he really didn't have much success in Toronto compared to the expectations.

What GM ever had success in Toronto?

Last time they won a Stanley Cup, Elvis got married a few days later. Not happening this year either because they're Toronto.

[dark_forces]

Ross and others speculating that Manny Malhotra fits the mold of a HC Dubas is looking for. Former player, young, current AHL head coach, former NHL assistant (Toronto, Vancouver). Yes Dubas knows him. Would think he would at least get an interview.

You're right. He's a dark horse candidate, and definitely viable.
I keep coming back to Bannister and Blashill as well. I just don't see a current college coach being brought in.
These coaches are the ones that stand out to me as Dubas-type candidates.

[Gunnerfan]

I just hope that Dubas doesn't go for his Leafs' buddies this time.

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

Dubas has hired or signed at least ten or more people to various positions who had been workimg for or alongside him in Toronto. Not nepotism, but kind of a country club atmosphere. I want fresh faces and voices, not only familiar ones.

Ok, but this is every GM in every sport. It's about trust at that level, so you should hire people you trust for the most important openings.

I could understand if that GM has success, but he really didn't have much success in Toronto compared to the expectations.

Toronto Maple Leafs
5 years before GMKD = .513
5 years with GMKD = .641

So, where is the lack of success here?

[Daniel]

What Leaf Buddies are you referencing?

Dubas has hired or signed at least ten or more people to various positions who had been workimg for or alongside him in Toronto. Not nepotism, but kind of a country club atmosphere. I want fresh faces and voices, not only familiar ones.

Ok, but this is every GM in every sport. It's about trust at that level, so you should hire people you trust for the most important openings.

I could understand if that GM has success, but he really didn't have much success in Toronto compared to the expectations.

Toronto Maple Leafs
5 years before GMKD = .513
5 years with GMKD = .641

So, where is the lack of success here?

2019-20 - lost qualifying round
2020-21 - lost in the 1st round
2021-22 = lost in the 1st round
2022-23 - wait.....won the 1st round, lost in the second

As Penguins fan used to their recent history that 1st round win does look like success.

Seriously, is the regular season really how hockey teams determine success? If Toronto had no lack of success, why did Sheldon Keefe even get fired ?

I guess if we want the Penguins to become the Steelers, keep bring Dubas' proxies in and measure success by the regular season.

[Gunnerfan]

Dubas has hired or signed at least ten or more people to various positions who had been workimg for or alongside him in Toronto. Not nepotism, but kind of a country club atmosphere. I want fresh faces and voices, not only familiar ones.

Ok, but this is every GM in every sport. It's about trust at that level, so you should hire people you trust for the most important openings.

I could understand if that GM has success, but he really didn't have much success in Toronto compared to the expectations.

Toronto Maple Leafs
5 years before GMKD = .513
5 years with GMKD = .641

So, where is the lack of success here?

2019-20 - lost qualifying round
2020-21 - lost in the 1st round
2021-22 = lost in the 1st round
2022-23 - wait.....won the 1st round, lost in the second

As Penguins fan used to their recent history that 1st round win does look like success.

Seriously, is the regular season really how hockey teams determine success? If Toronto had no lack of success, why did Sheldon Keefe even get fired ?

I guess if we want the Penguins to become the Steelers, keep bring Dubas' proxies in and measure success by the regular season.

This is Toronto Holmes. They never win so regular season success is all they’ve ever been measured by. Plus 2 of year before he arrives we’re below .500. The truth is they were better after he took over and also set them up very well with where they are right now.

[Daniel]

Ok, but this is every GM in every sport. It's about trust at that level, so you should hire people you trust for the most important openings.

I could understand if that GM has success, but he really didn't have much success in Toronto compared to the expectations.

Toronto Maple Leafs
5 years before GMKD = .513
5 years with GMKD = .641

So, where is the lack of success here?

2019-20 - lost qualifying round
2020-21 - lost in the 1st round
2021-22 = lost in the 1st round
2022-23 - wait.....won the 1st round, lost in the second

As Penguins fan used to their recent history that 1st round win does look like success.

Seriously, is the regular season really how hockey teams determine success? If Toronto had no lack of success, why did Sheldon Keefe even get fired ?

I guess if we want the Penguins to become the Steelers, keep bring Dubas' proxies in and measure success by the regular season.

This is Toronto Holmes. They never win so regular season success is all they’ve ever been measured by. Plus 2 of year before he arrives we’re below .500. The truth is they were better after he took over and also set them up very well with where they are right now.

They were better and had some success, but not enough to warrant bringing in everyone you know from Toronto. I get Spezza and I get key people here and there, but I think if Pittsburgh becomes Toronto south we'll see the same results.

I'd like to see Dubas bring a diversity of ideas in and get the best he can possibly get using a search beyond his comfort zone.

[pronovost19]

I think the only coach who falls into the "NHL coaching retread" category that would have a chance is Tocchet. Though Quinn sort of falls into this category, I don't think we'll see him stick around unless the new coach specifically wants him. Right off the bat, we can exclude Laviolette, Tortorella, Quenneville, etc.

Gallant too. Stay away from him please. I do not want any retreads.

[dark_forces]

I think the only coach who falls into the "NHL coaching retread" category that would have a chance is Tocchet. Though Quinn sort of falls into this category, I don't think we'll see him stick around unless the new coach specifically wants him. Right off the bat, we can exclude Laviolette, Tortorella, Quenneville, etc.

Gallant too. Stay away from him please. I do not want any retreads.

Yes, I forgot about him. Stay away. None of these guys seems to last anywhere for very long. BUT they keep getting hired over and over again.

[Pens4Life]

Ross and others speculating that Manny Malhotra fits the mold of a HC Dubas is looking for. Former player, young, current AHL head coach, former NHL assistant (Toronto, Vancouver). Yes Dubas knows him. Would think he would at least get an interview.

You're right. He's a dark horse candidate, and definitely viable.
I keep coming back to Bannister and Blashill as well. I just don't see a current college coach being brought in.
These coaches are the ones that stand out to me as Dubas-type candidates.

Not really a fan of any of these guys.. I hope we dig a bit deeper