In an interesting turn, Frank Seravalli of TSN has heard Ralph Krueger’s name in relation to the Arizona Coyotes’ head coaching search. Krueger had previously said he was offered two NHL jobs that he turned down. Which jobs those were aren’t clear, but there was some rumors linking him to both Vancouver and Buffalo at times.
Krueger is currently serving as Chairman of the Southampton Football Club in England, a job he took after being fired by the Edmonton Oilers. That was his last NHL coaching job, though he did get back behind the bench at last fall’s World Cup for Team Europe. That sparked praise from his players and much speculation about a possible return to the game.
The Coyotes moved on from long-time coach Dave Tippett just before the draft, and immediately started their search for the next leader of their club. After bringing in Niklas Hjalmarsson, Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta, the Coyotes have made a clear effort to climb out of the basement and start competing again. Krueger would be the next step in that evolution, though he comes with many question marks.
Well respected throughout the league, it still would be only his second NHL head coaching gig and he would be returning to a league (and sport) he hasn’t been a part of for several years. It will be interesting to see how far that progresses, if at all.