First off, Mess is in no position to be an NHL head coach, doesn't have the experience and hasn't put the time to be one. The result would most likely be worst than the Gretz stint in Arizona. The only thing that will happen, regardless of what all these insiders report, if Eakins is the head coach for the remainder of the year. If there's any progress, there's a slim chance he keeps the job. Otherwise he's gone for a number of reasons: This draft is a tanking teams wet dream. If the oil pick in the top 5-6 there's potential for a huge talent to be added for the future (notwithstanding the scouts screwing the pick up or Katz getting involved, both very real possibilities). As well, the pick can potentially be moved for a legitimate impact center or defence as trade bait. Second, its obvious that there are no rash decisions made from Oil management, things are bled out until it's dead. They will be assessing the rest of the year. Third, I fully expect Rexall to start emptying out if the suck continues, I'm at the point where I'm not watching games often anymore, and I'm not the only one. When this happens, there will be no choice but to do some house cleaning, Eakins will have gotten his two years in (and four years pay), both sides will happily separate.
But it obvious after all these years that the old boys management has cursed this team. If Rexall empties out a few thousand by the end of the season I can't see any reason why Katz wouldn't finally cut Lowe. But I've been wrong on this before.