joestevens29
Registered User
- Apr 30, 2009
- 52,488
- 15,058
http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/ho...ice-could-ease-pressure-on-oilers-eakins.html
After hiring Eakins, the Oilers added Keith Acton, an NHL assistant since 1994, to join returnees Kelly Buchberger and Steve Smith. The team interviewed at least two others for that associate coach position. One was Rick Bowness, who went to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The other was Paul Maurice.
Maurice is working for TSN, no doubt burning to get back to the bench in a meaningful way. I can't help but wonder if his experience would help Eakins and the Oilers. The two men have great respect for each other and worked together in Toronto.
When you're a wealthy franchise, and Edmonton is by NHL revenue standards, this is the advantage you have. There's the salary cap, yes. But nothing stops you from adding off the ice, if necessary.
If MacTavish doesn't want to, he doesn't need to let go of anyone. He can add Maurice's experience and figure out responsibilities along the way. You don't have to trade cornerstone players or take on a ridiculous salary.
After hiring Eakins, the Oilers added Keith Acton, an NHL assistant since 1994, to join returnees Kelly Buchberger and Steve Smith. The team interviewed at least two others for that associate coach position. One was Rick Bowness, who went to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The other was Paul Maurice.
Maurice is working for TSN, no doubt burning to get back to the bench in a meaningful way. I can't help but wonder if his experience would help Eakins and the Oilers. The two men have great respect for each other and worked together in Toronto.
When you're a wealthy franchise, and Edmonton is by NHL revenue standards, this is the advantage you have. There's the salary cap, yes. But nothing stops you from adding off the ice, if necessary.
If MacTavish doesn't want to, he doesn't need to let go of anyone. He can add Maurice's experience and figure out responsibilities along the way. You don't have to trade cornerstone players or take on a ridiculous salary.