The USA Today’s Kevin Allen reports that the Kings’ move to make Pierre Turgeon an offensive coordinator has been just what they needed. Allen writes that Turgeon is essentially the “creative thinking” coach who, according to Allen, is in charge of “coloring outside the lines, and inspiring others to do the same.” Anze Kopitar, who has already reached his total of 12 goals from last season, says that Turgeon listens as well as offers his own perspective on things:
“..It becomes a discussion. He gives you ideas of what is open and what isn’t … but it’s almost a two-way street more than just coaching us.”
Something has clicked because the Kings’ scoring is up from 2.43 goals last season to 2.85 in the current. Described as a “vibrant” personality, Allen adds that he’s brought a positive presence to the locker room and a different dimension that is undoubtedly helping the team.
- Have the Capitals turned a corner? The Washington Post’s Barry Svrluga writes that after winning three games over three quality teams by a combined score of 12-5, the Capitals are approaching their home stand with a “breathe easier” mentality instead of the rocky, stressed approach that gripped the team through a tough stretch in November. Svrluga admits that a falloff was expected, especially after the Kevin Shattenkirk deal last season that essentially pushed all the chips into the middle. Though it didn’t work out to a victory parade in June, there is still enough talent to not only make the playoffs, but still push to a deep run. Svrluga points out that in a bunched up league, several teams are scratching and clawing for better position, especially in the ultra competitive Metropolitan Division. Though they can beat the best, Svrluga wonders if they truly can hold up for the entire season.
- Sportsnet’s Mark Spector extolls the importance of Edmonton developing its younger players–something many thought was already happening last season. Instead, this season has seen a lot of struggle from the Oilers, and Spector writes that you can’t win in the league unless you’re developing your in-house talent. He points out that the Penguins won back-to-back Cups with two superstars and a swath of youngsters “dotting” the first three lines. What that means, for Spector, is that head coach Todd McLellan should be willing to have centers Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each have their own line. Though McLellan is averse to it, Spector argues that it would solidify the team with three strong lines, and mirror what many of those successful teams are doing–strengthening their top 9 from the center out.
Is there any franchise that has adopted a development model similar to the Cardinal way?
I’ve gotten the feeling that Detroit, San Jose, and Winnipeg seem to take development very seriously, don’t like to rush players, and (at least with Detroit) seem to groom coaches from within, but is there a team that has formulated its approach the way the Cardinals did when they created their Cardinal Way bible a few years back?
Hockey, with its salary cap, seems primed for the type of approach where teams spend big on off-ice resources, but I haven’t seen much evidence of teams adopting a regimented and guided development model.
Any suggestions on teams innovating with player development?
Montreal kind of did this between about 2002 and 2013, pretty much during and shortly after Bob Gainey tenure as GM. The goal Gainey had in mind was to draft and develop as much talent as possible while also having and developing coaches who taught “his” system, which was a variation of Scotty Bowman’s system from the 1970’s. Ultimately, what he wanted was a powerhouse NHL and powerhouse AHL team and if you lost a 2nd line winger on the NHL team, you’d call up the 2nd line winger from your AHL team and plug him into the lineup. Looking back, they were actually fairly successful at doing it as they developed some good to great players and helped develop some pretty good coaches too. But like most teams, they grew impatient with the process and began relying heavily on free agency and trades to create their roster.
I think going the Cardinal Way route is the right way to go about building a successful franchise long term. The problem though, is hockey fans and media are really impatient as opposed to baseball fans. Trade deadline, draft day trades and free agent frenzy are all ingrained in hockey fans’ minds today that they thrive on action. Imagine if Pat Gillick had been an NHL GM and didn’t make a major trade or major FA signing for nearly 3 or 4 years like he did with the Jays in the late 80’s/early 90’s? He’d be hated by his own fan base and the media would have a field day criticizing him on a nightly basis.
Good call on Gainey. It’s funny how a larger playoff field can create an atmosphere of impatience, but I guess it also feels like (for a fan base) that anyone can win it, so why can’t we??
Hillock I think was helped by the fact that the Jays had a fair amount of success prior to 92/93 and he won most of the trades he made – even when he was trading away players like Barfield and Alexander. He seemed to have built up an account in good standing in the trust bank.
Far harder to do in the NHL, but it seems like the Jets are trying to follow that type of model of incremental success and developing from within.
Autocorrect – I meant Gillick
Ducks maybe
I’m sorry Mark but the Wings, in particular, Ken Holland just doesn’t have a clue. The Wings have no choice but to leave more deserving & talented players in the AHL because of the terrible contracts that Holland handed out.
In terms of coaches, Holland develops them as yes men to him.
Mike Babcock had very little choice or say in who plays,who doesn’t & which players get sent down to Grand Rapids or stays with the Wings.
Now, deserving players get the shaft along with every fan that call themselves a fan of the Wings? It all went South at the implementation of the salary cap.
Outstanding information from both Doc & Mark. We need more of this type of information. Thanks to both of them for sharing what they know about this great sport!!