Going into the final year of a contract as a coach is a scenario that a lot of teams like to try to avoid but that’s not the case with the Stars and bench boss Rick Bowness. Speaking with Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News regarding his expiring deal, Bowness stated “That doesn’t bother me one bit. Shouldn’t bother the players”. The 66-year-old also admitted to turning down three deals with more money and term before originally committing to Dallas so clearly, there is some comfort in going with short-term agreements. After a disappointing and injury-riddled season, many expect the Stars to bounce back this season which would bode well for his future behind the bench.
More from the Central Division:
- Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews is expected to travel with the team on their upcoming three-game road trip and could be cleared to play at some point in that stretch, reports Mike Chambers of the Denver Post. The 27-year-old was a significant addition to Colorado’s back end last season as he logged nearly 25 minutes a night while chipping in with 31 points, the most in his career. For the time being, Colorado is carrying a minimum-sized roster (though that could change by next week) so no roster move would be needed to activated Toews.
- In a recent reader chat, Tom Timmermann of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggested that he thinks Blues winger David Perron could take another team-friendly deal around the $4MM mark if he has a similar showing to last season. While he could likely garner more on the open market, the 33-year-old hasn’t hidden his desire to be in St. Louis, signing back there each time he has reached free agency. In order for him to remain there, Perron will need to take a below-market deal with St. Louis having over $72MM in commitments to just 14 players for next season, per CapFriendly, not leaving much wiggle room to fill out the rest of the roster.
There are two not so obvious cities where athletes consistently love to live and retire and it’s been that way for decades, Pittsburgh and St. Louis.
I know first hand why they like Pittsburgh.
Having never been to St. Louis, what is it’s appeal? Players always seem to love it there.
Cheap and sports-crazy.
Great hospitals and school districts, a pretty easy-going lifestyle – yet some of the more expensive communities in the country to live and yes, just a sports crazy town where people are still super upset about losing the Rams and not having a football team.
Perron feels like he should be way older than 33.
Sports crazy town, super friendly media, schools and the teams are great about recognition of the players long after they’re done playing. Gretzky just moved back. Oh yea F Mike Keenan.
Best zoo in the country and it’s free. Hockey players love zoos.