Guess who's interested in the NJ job?

[SPTO]

Mike Keenan

Quote:

Could Iron Mike Keenan be ready for a return engagement to the New York area? According to the New York Post, Keenan is reportedly interested in the New Jersey Devils' head coaching position that became available after Jacques Lemaire announced his retirement this past Monday. "I'm interested in coaching, not just any possible job, but with somebody like Lou [Lamoriello], who has a lot of experience and continues to formulate strong teams, probably the best in the game, well . . ." Keenan told the Post. The 60-year old has a vast amount of NHL coaching experience including leading the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994. He has also coached the Flyers, Blackhawks, Blues, Canucks, Bruins, Panthers and Flames. He also served as general manager of both the Blues and Panthers as well. His 672 career victories rank him fourth on the all-time NHL coaching list. Former Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock and former Devils' assistant coach and current Lowell Devils' head coach John MacLean are also reportedly in the running for the job.

If that were to happen it would mean that Keenan is prepared to fully change his ways. He's made some strides but it's still all about him. If he can turn off his ego to work within the structure of the Devils organization then I think he'd be a good fit and could even add some grit to the team's personality.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

Mike Keenan If that were to happen it would mean that Keenan is prepared to fully change his ways. He's made some strides but it's still all about him. If he can turn off his ego to work within the structure of the Devils organization then I think he'd be a good fit and could even add some grit to the team's personality.

Keenan's 60 and would be on his 8th team. He ain't changing now.

[pietasterp]

Doesn't it sometimes seem like there are only, like, 5 or 6 NHL coaches and they just rotate through all the teams at some point in their careers? Keenan, Pat Burns, Marc Crawford, Lindy Ruff, Joel Quenneville... C'mon guys! Give someone else a chance behind the bench!

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by pietasterp

Doesn't it sometimes seem like there are only, like, 5 or 6 NHL coaches and they just rotate through all the teams at some point in their careers? Keenan, Pat Burns, Marc Crawford, Lindy Ruff, Joel Quenneville... C'mon guys! Give someone else a chance behind the bench!

Ruff isn't a good example. He's been a head coach for exactly one NHL team.

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

Ruff isn't a good example. He's been a head coach for exactly one NHL team.

Yeah, good point...he's just been around forever, so I guess I just lumped him in there.

[Money99]

Quote: Originally Posted by pietasterp

Yeah, good point...he's just been around forever, so I guess I just lumped him in there.

I agree though that new blood needs to be added.
I hope the Devils bring in a young, enthusiastic coach who wants to play a more open style.

[bad_philanthropy]

1994 was a long time ago. Since then when was the last time a Mike Keenan coached team did anything? The past 15 years or so he seems to get his clubs to play at or below expectations on a consistent basis.

[SPTO]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

I agree though that new blood needs to be added. I hope the Devils bring in a young, enthusiastic coach who wants to play a more open style.

I suspect the Devils are going to be in a holding pattern in terms of style of play until Brodeur retires.

As far as coaching league wide goes there's been a movement afoot where younger guys are getting a shot so it's no longer as much of an Old Boy's Network as it was 10-15 years ago.

Quote: Originally Posted by bad_philanthropy

1994 was a long time ago. Since then when was the last time a Mike Keenan coached team did anything? The past 15 years or so he seems to get his clubs to play at or below expectations on a consistent basis.

Good point however he's had some success in terms of developing talent such as Chris Pronger and Joe Thorton. I also think he had the potential to do something pretty big with Boston but his legs were cut out from underneath him IIRC.