Zizing 'Em Up: DeBoer, Cassidy discuss precarious life of an NHL coach
DeBrincat on Blackhawks' trade talk; farewell to Bob Tindall
TORONTO --About a year ago, coach Jon Cooper gathered with assistants Peter DeBoer, Bruce Cassidy and Barry Trotz in scenic Banff, Alberta, to discuss Canada's roster for the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
However, the NHL announced that they would not participate in the Olympics on Dec. 22, and less than six months later, DeBoer, Cassidy and Trotz were each out of a job.
Trotz was fired as coach of the New York Islanders after four seasons on May 9, DeBoer was fired by the Vegas Golden Knights after three seasons on May 16, and Cassidy was fired by the Boston Bruins after six seasons on June 7.
If ever there was an example of how fickle the life span of an NHL coach is, this was it.
"Amazing, isn't it," DeBoer told NHL.com. "It's not like the three of us suddenly forgot how to coach or to teach.
"And still, looking back, we went from being good enough to be part of the brain trust of trying to win a gold medal for our country with some of the best players in the world, to being out of work with our day jobs."
To no one's surprise, though, DeBoer and Cassidy were quickly hired by another team. Cassidy replaced DeBoer as Vegas coach on June 14, and DeBoer was hired to replace Rick Bowness, who had stepped down, as coach of the Dallas Stars on June 21.
Trotz was a candidate for the Winnipeg Jets' coaching vacancy, which eventually got filled by Bowness, but opted not to take any job, telling NHL.com at the time that he wasn't in a position to give the time and commitment required.
However, when he's ready to return, Trotz won't have any problems finding a coaching gig.
The moral of the story: Job security is a foreign concept in the coaching fraternity, even if you're one of the best in the business.
"It's a little bit of a testament to the state of the game with coaching and unfortunately where it's going when you know that the leashes are that short," DeBoer said. "You're even seeing it this year. We're just a few games in and already there are hot seats all over the NHL.
"It's a little bit ridiculous, in my mind, when you consider that."
Among the coaches already on the hot seat less than a month into this season are Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bruce Boudreau of the Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Eakins of the Anaheim Ducks.
New Jersey Devils coach Lindy Ruff was serenaded with chants of "Fire Lindy" after a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in their home opener at Prudential Center on Oct. 15, though a subsequent 5-1-0 run has silenced the noise.
DeBoer and Cassidy, on the other hand, have gotten off to good starts with their new teams. The Stars lost 6-3 to the New York Rangers Saturday but are still 5-3-1. The Golden Knights are 7-2-0.
It's been a long year since that meeting regarding the Olympics took place in Banff, but one that has forged new friendships between the four coaches who were a part of it.
"Before that, I didn't really know those guys very well," Cassidy said. "I got to know 'Coop' a bit when our teams were in the bubble in Toronto in the 2020 Playoffs. Pete I knew to say hi to. But it was great. We all had different personalities, but we meshed. I think Coop knew that going in. He was receptive to all our ideas. And we'd all had success. Coop has a pair of Stanley Cups (with the Tampa Bay Lightning), Barry had one (with the Washington Capitals), Pete (San Jose Sharks) and I (Bruins) guided teams to the Final. It's just too bad we never had the chance to work together in the tournament.
"We all stay in touch. Pete gave me advice when I got to Vegas. Where to live, things like that. And I actually met with Barry in August when he came to Vegas to see some of his former neighbors in Nashville.
"It can be a crazy business, but you do make some great friendships along the way."
Windy City trade winds
The somewhat surprising 4-3-1 start for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks has helped quiet the speculation regarding the futures of forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
For now.
However, it's a story that's not about to go away, especially if the Blackhawks start to sag, and one that Alex DeBrincat is following with a personal interest, which is understandable.
The 24-year-old forward was one of the first key pieces moved out as part of Chicago's extensive housecleaning. DeBrincat was traded by the Blackhawks to the Ottawa Senators on July 7 for a first- and second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft (No. 7, defenseman Kevin Korchinski; No. 39, center Paul Ludwinski) and a third-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Kane said last week that a run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs would allow him the luxury of not having to think about being moved. But general manager Kyle Davidson countered by saying any success this season won't change the organization's long-term goal of a reset.
It's a familiar scenario to DeBrincat, who understands the pressure that comes with the type of trade talk -- at least from the outside -- that Kane and Toews are now dealing with.
"I think there are a lot of things that go into it," DeBrincat said when asked by NHL.com if he'd be surprised if either, or both, were moved.
"Obviously, they've been there their whole careers, so it's not going to be easy to get up and leave. But at the same time, they're both very competitive and want to win. So I think that's something that they're going to have to talk with their families about and see what the best move is for them."
Kane, 33, and Toews, 34, are in the final season of matching eight-year, $84 million contracts ($10.5 million average annual value) they signed on July 9, 2014. Both contracts have a no-move clause, meaning each player has the final say on whether he is traded and where his potential destination might be.
"That's the thing," DeBrincat said. "They're Blackhawk icons. They've loved playing there. But they're also competitive guys who love the competition of the playoffs.
"It's not an easy decision for anyone."
In DeBrincat's case, a change of scenery hasn't cut down on his production. He has eight points (two goals, six assists) in eight games with the Senators, who are 4-4-0 this season.
Farewell, Bob
When many of the sport's dignitaries congregate in Toronto for the Hockey Hall of Fame induction weekend on Nov. 11-14, it will also be an opportunity to say goodbye to one of their own.
On Nov. 13 at Aria Ristorante, across from Scotiabank Arena, a celebration of life will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. for the late Bob Tindall, a key figure in the rich history of the Boston Bruins. Tindall died on Oct. 4 at the age of 86.
After working part time for Boston for 10 years, Tindall was hired as a full-time scout in 1983, beginning an 18-year run highlighted by him becoming head of the Bruins scouting department in the 1990s.
Tindall was always a familiar face during morning skates at Maple Leaf Gardens and Scotiabank Arena and enjoyed playfully reminding reporters of spelling or factual mistakes in their copy. More importantly, he'd always make sure to visit players like Joe Thornton when they came to Toronto, players he'd helped draft and whom he looked out for, almost like a parent. He was proud not only of his role in drafting the likes of Thornton (No. 1 in 1997 NHL Draft), forward Glen Murray (No. 18 in 1991 NHL Draft), goalie Andrew Raycroft (No. 135 in 1998 NHL Draft) and defenseman Don Sweeney (No. 166 in 1984 NHL Draft), who is now the Bruins general manager, but of the people they became.
Rest in peace, Bob.
QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"Obviously, playing against Phil you're always chatting him up a little bit. He always makes you laugh. You don't want to smile, but he always makes you laugh. You can't really help it with that voice of his, right?"
-- Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds on Vegas Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel, who became the NHL's ironman after playing in his 990th consecutive game Tuesday.
THE SUNDAY LIST
The next chapter of the NHL Global Series takes place this week when the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche face off in Tampere, Finland, on Friday and Saturday. It will be a special occasion for Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, the NHL's first Europe-born GM, who is returning to his hometown. Keeping with the theme of his native country, Kekalainen offered his choices for the most underrated Finland-born NHL players of all time.
1. Jere Lehtinen, F:514 points (243 goals, 271 assists) in 875 games from 1995-2010 with the Dallas Stars.
"He won three Selke Trophies as the best defensive forward in the NHL. One thing I've suggested to people who do the selection stuff is that he deserves consideration for the Hall of Fame. He may not have as many points as most guys in there, but those three Selkes and one Stanley Cup are impressive. I saw him come up with the national team. A great player who made those around him better. Just ask guys like Mike Modano."
2. Teppo Numminen, D:637 points (117 goals, 520 assists) in 1,372 NHL games from 1988-2009 with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, Stars and Buffalo Sabres.
"His longevity is so impressive. Among [Finland-born] players, only the great Teemu Selanne played more games (1,451)."
3. Esa Tikkanen, F:630 points (244 goals, 386 assists) in 877 games from 1985-1998 with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals.
"He wasn't necessarily the top scorer on his teams, but he would irritate the opponents to death. He could get 80 points while playing against the best players from the other team. And he won five Stanley Cups, too. I don't know how much more you could ask about a career."
