Leafs were rumoured to be interested in Velluci as their new assistant coach to replace Hiller. Seems like it's got legs now.
Replace DJ
McFarland is the PP guy replacing Hiller.
It’s interesting Velluci might go from the front office to behind the bench
Errrr yeah... That's what I meant.
Velluci was the head coach of the Charlotte Checkers that won the Calder cup this past season. He also had a front office role though.
The Leafs filled one vacancy in May with the hiring of Paul McFarland; two names that have been linked to Toronto to fill the remaining opening are former NHL defenceman Jay McKee, the head coach of the Kitchener Rangers, and Mike Vellucci, who recently coached the Charlotte Checkers to the Calder Cup title in the American Hockey League.
''After 27 years it's hard to leave, but I have been presented with an exciting opportunity that makes sense for my future."
This statement doesn't sound like someone who's just going to take a job in the AHL
Ryan Reaves was never with them during the two cup runs. The Ryan Reaves trade is universally panned by Pens fans. They won by skill. I believe Matthews can play tough. So if Matthews or Tavares plays tough you are saying we can win the cup. Thats all it takes? Why don't you think Hyman plays tough?
I really want Babcock to achieve his dream of being a President/GM/Coach at the same time one day. It would be nice to have a team to dump your Marleaus and Browns to for free. Plus you get the added bonus of watching Babcock in front of the camera with no one else left to blame for his refusal to adapt.
I would love Boucher too but it could send a mix message to our AHL coach and our NHL coach. Usually when you hire a former NHL coach as an assistant/special teams coach, he is often a Head Coach in waiting. the drama and distraction in Toronto would be almost unbearable... not sure Boucher would even consider us, based on how he was treated by our management group.
Cool. Hopefully he can get our powerplay operating at a top 5 level (if not better) and is willing and able to adjust should the need arise.
I'm going to reserve judgement until I see who's on PP1 next season.
No Nylander, we riot.
This should be framedI really want Babcock to achieve his dream of being a President/GM/Coach at the same time one day. It would be nice to have a team to dump your Marleaus and Browns to for free. Plus you get the added bonus of watching Babcock in front of the camera with no one else left to blame for his refusal to adapt.
Curious to see how PP stats change with player and puck tracking. Cross slot passes increase sh% by quite a bit, as do below the goal line to in front passes, but this pre-shot movement isn’t captured in xG models.