Head Coach discussion

[brewski420]

If Tocchet does end up in Seattle, I wonder if Kessel would waive his NMC to go there. Not that I think it makes much sense for the Kraken to select him, but who knows.

I don't know if it makes much sense but maybe if Phoenix sweetens it if he waives.

 

[Schemp]

Maybe these below have a reason why Tocchet needs three interviews to land the Kraken job.



In 2006, the former NHL All-Star and Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach, Rick Tocchet, pleaded guilty to third-degree charges of conspiracy and promoting gambling in connection to the sports betting ring accusations.

Rick Tocchet admitted during the scheduled hearing yesterday, that between 2002 and 2006 he was part of the illegal sports betting ring, with James Harney and James Ulmer.
The police investigation into the gambling ring began in 2005 when they found out that Harney, a former New Jersey State Trooper was involved in the illegal betting operation. Tocchet and others were targeting high rollers - high profile athletes, Travis Green, Jeremy Roenick, and even Wayne Gretzky's wife have admitted to placing wagers with this gambling ring.
Kevin Marino, attorney for Rick Tocchet, admitted that the guilty plea was a way for Tocchet to avoid jail time, and be sentenced to probation. Sentencing was set or August 17th.


2011
Richard Tocchet, 47, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Los Angeles Kings, the Boston Bruins, the Washington Capitals, and the Phoenix Coyotes, was arrested at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on December 23 after he told a U.S. Customs border officer that he was not traveling with more than $10,000.
Tocchet was searched and found to have $18,752. He pleaded guilty to charges of making a false declaration when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez.

He ran a football pool, kinda like the one we have every year at work. More money was involved because they are wealthier. Tocchet did not make a profit from the football pool. It was a predetermined split from the winners, just like at work.

 

[jbron]

Tocchet and his little football pool brought in over 2 million in wagers during the weeks up to the super bowl. This was reported in court.
Further, his betting organization had mob ties also confirmed in the court case. So, it was little bit more than just an office pool.
Regardless, when betting appears at any level of professional sports an organization has to do a complete background check on any potential candidate for their head coaching position.

 

[CascadiaPenguin]

And coaching for a team that never was financially stable that also never have an actually functioning front office/management. I rather have Tocchet than some European person that think european style of hockey would actually work in the NHL.

I think one can honestly argue AZ is an even worse organization than BUF. AZ doesn't even do due diligence on their top draft pick, this just a year after being docked 2020 2nd rnd and 2021 1st rnd picks for scouting combine violations. I like Tocchet, but I can't deny my Penguins bias. Pens haven't been the same since he left. Scotty Bowman ain't winning in AZ.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

Some more speculation by Friedman and Johnston.

Seattle Kraken GM Ron Francis keeps things notoriously close to the vest and his ongoing coaching search is no different. Other than Rick Tocchet, who has interviewed for a number of vacancies so far making his bid for Seattle’s inaugural head coach role more public, there is not much known about who else may be a finalist for the job. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Francis brought a few candidates to Seattle this week for in-person interviews, but could only confirm Tocchet as one – his third interview for the position. Friedman speculates that recently fired New York Rangers head coach David Quinn, Boston Bruins assistant Joe Sacco, and University of Wisconsin Tony Granato could be the other names in the mix. Tocchet certainly seems like the favorite at this point, but don’t be shocked if Francis ends up making a surprise hire.

Video:
Tocchet among head coach finalists as Kraken pare down list - Sportsnet.ca


Seems to me that the media doesn't really know what's going on and has only heard of Tocchet interviewing, which has them naming him the favourite.

Could be that way, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone else ends up being named the HC.

 

[jbron]

Francis is a very patient and detailed individual. For due diligence, hopefully he interviews Rikard Gronberg, Todd Nelson, and Lane Lambert before making a decision.

 

[gstommylee]

Francis is a very patient and detailed individual. For due diligence, hopefully he interviews Rikard Gronberg, Todd Nelson, and Lane Lambert before making a decision.

Can't interview Lambert cause islanders is still in the playoffs. IT would be stupid to go into July waiting for another team to end their season if NYI advances to the finals.

 

[NatoGhost]

I think one can honestly argue AZ is an even worse organization than BUF. AZ doesn't even do due diligence on their top draft pick, this just a year after being docked 2020 2nd rnd and 2021 1st rnd picks for scouting combine violations. I like Tocchet, but I can't deny my Penguins bias. Pens haven't been the same since he left. Scotty Bowman ain't winning in AZ.

I liked Tocchet when he was the coach in Tampa. I agree it's hard to judge him based on his record in AZ.

 

[jbron]

Can't interview Lambert cause islanders is still in the playoffs. IT would be stupid to go into July waiting for another team to end their season if NYI advances to the finals.

Why is it so stupid to wait till July? It's not like the coach will have much input in the expansion draft or the actual draft.

 

[gstommylee]

Why is it so stupid to wait till July? It's not like the coach will have much input in the expansion draft or the actual draft.

Might as well wait till october then until we hire one.... Cause people are getting tired of the whole wait and see wiat and see.... If this is how they'll run the franchise they won't go far...

So far all Seattle done is sign 1 player since the final payment was made. That's all they did... And we are 1 month before the draft. Vegas done a lot more than just hire a coach and that was 2 months before their draft week.

 

[Gniwder]

Might as well wait till october then until we hire one.... Cause people are getting tired of the whole wait and see wiat and see.... If this is how they'll run the franchise they won't go far...

So far all Seattle done is sign 1 player since the final payment was made. That's all they did... And we are 1 month before the draft. Vegas done a lot more than just hire a coach and that was 2 months before their draft week.

What people are you talking about besides yourself?

The NHL season isn't even over, which means that assistants like Lambert can't even be interviewed yet. For all we know, he could be the guy Francis is targeting. Quite frankly I'd be more disappointed if they filled the spot with Tocchet just because he's the only viable candidate with NHL experience (assuming we want nothing to do with Torts). Interview the best candidates then make a decision. I doubt the coach gets selected until after the Finals.

Also, the only other NHL coaching vacancies left are Arizona and Buffalo, which makes Seattle the most desirable vacancy left. So what's the hurry?

 

[gstommylee]

What people are you talking about besides yourself?

The NHL season isn't even over, which means that assistants like Lambert can't even be interviewed yet. For all we know, he could be the guy Francis is targeting. Quite frankly I'd be more disappointed if they filled the spot with Tocchet just because he's the only viable candidate with NHL experience (assuming we want nothing to do with Torts). Interview the best candidates then make a decision. I doubt the coach gets selected until after the Finals.

Also, the only other NHL coaching vacancies left are Arizona and Buffalo, which makes Seattle the most desirable vacancy left. So what's the hurry?

It was the team that gave a timeline of end of Q2 which is in 10 days. If they can't meet a timeline they gave then don't give one.

 

[Gniwder]

It was the team that gave a timeline of end of Q2 which is in 10 days. If they can't meet a timeline they gave then don't give one.

I agree that they shouldn't have given themselves a timeline, but there's really no reason to rush a head coaching decision. You look at anyone's list of top NHL coaching candidates and Lambert is on every list. Do you really want Francis to make a decision without interviewing the top candidates?

 

[gstommylee]

I agree that they shouldn't have given themselves a timeline, but there's really no reason to rush a head coaching decision. You look at anyone's list of top NHL coaching candidates and Lambert is on every list. Do you really want Francis to make a decision without interviewing the top candidates?

Like i said they gave us a timeline its fair for us to expect them to stay true to the time line. So far all they done is waited for a coach that was never going coach anywhere else but with the canes...

 

[Gniwder]

Like i said they gave us a timeline its fair for us to expect them to stay true to the time line. So far all they done is waited for a coach that was never going coach anywhere else but with the canes...

How do you know they were waiting on Rod instead of Lambert? Rod has said all along he was staying with the Canes and would sign as soon as the rest of the staff was re-signed. I think you're confusing media speculation with what's actually happening behind the scenes. None of them (or us) know what's actually happening unless you happen to know Francis personally.

You don't know who Francis is targeting, the media doesn't either, nor do I.

 

[gstommylee]

How do you know they were waiting on Rod instead of Lambert? Rod has said all along he was staying with the Canes and would sign as soon as the rest of the staff was re-signed. I think you're confusing media speculation with what's actually happening behind the scenes. None of them (or us) know what's actually happening unless you happen to know Francis personally.

You don't know who Francis is targeting, the media doesn't either, nor do I.

Cause it was talked about by the hockey Media folks that we were waiting to talk to Rod. The moment after Rod signed his new contract, the 3rd interview with Tocchet happened. Team said end of Q2 (end of june) not end of the playoffs which is in July.

 

[Gniwder]

Cause it was talked about by the hockey Media folks that we were waiting to talk to Rod. The moment after Rod signed his new contract, the 3rd interview with Tocchet happened. Team said end of Q2 (end of june) not end of the playoffs which is in July.

You're strangely obsessed about timing, instead of who they actually hire, which is the concern for most fans. You're getting bent out of shape because they delayed the hiring by a month from what they originally said. In the end, the success of the team will depend on WHO they hire, not WHEN.

There are only 2 other NHL vacancies. Tocchet is not going back to Arizona, so he's only got one other option which is Buffalo, the worst run team in the league. There is absolutely no reason to rush the decision without interviewing other candidates. Tocchet will still be available in July.

I don't know if you are involved in the hiring process for your company, but if my management put some artificial deadline for hiring personnel, I would laugh at them.

 

[gstommylee]

You're strangely obsessed about timing, instead of who they actually hire, which is the concern for most fans. You're getting bent out of shape because they delayed the hiring by a month from what they originally said. In the end, the success of the team will depend on WHO they hire, not WHEN.

There are only 2 other NHL vacancies. Tocchet is not going back to Arizona, so he's only got one other option which is Buffalo, the worst run team in the league. There is absolutely no reason to rush the decision without interviewing other candidates. Tocchet will still be available in July.

I don't know if you are involved in the hiring process for your company, but if my management put some artificial deadline for hiring personnel, I would laugh at them.

I been saying this often it doesn't matter who the team hires as a head coach, it won't make that much of a difference for the first couple years until we get the roster going after we get the roster set up after a couple years to really contend for the cup then it actually matters. We aren't going to content for the cup our first year we may make the playoffs but we won't go far. We won't for year 2 or year 3 cause we won't have good enough players in order for us to go that far or at least go far enough consistently.

Hey i'm not the one that said by the end of Q2 publicly. That's all our GM's doing and this isn't the first time they pushed things back further and further. The team name was originally suppose to come out spring of 2019 but then they pushed it back to summer of 19 then fall than December then jan of 2020 then mid spring of 2020 etc. Sometimes it gets annoying. How about the team doesn't give the public timelines if they feel they can't make them and make the reveal when they they are ready to do so.

 

[JelloPuddyPops]

Like i said they gave us a timeline its fair for us to expect them to stay true to the time line. So far all they done is waited for a coach that was never going coach anywhere else but with the canes...

You should go tell the NHL on them… get them in trouble for not sticking literally to the day of the timeline!!! After all, they LIED TO YOU! Maybe you should sue them?!?

You get waaay too stuck on irrelevant details. If the team hires a coach on July 5th, how does that hurt you? Here’s a hint: it doesn’t. Grow up.

 

[gstommylee]

What the team is going to do is what they are going to do. people reactions to the team name was mixed, People's reactions to the coach they hire will be mixed. Having the team hire someone by end of june would allow us a couple things an idea of what kind of players they team may pick and also allow fans that don't like the decision their chance to give their opinion before the expansion draft and be more accepting to the coach that the team decides to hire.

half the fun about having a sports team is being able to have nice civil discussions about what goes on with the team or talk about the games etc. Right now its kinda in the middle of no idea who the team is going to hire that even some new person that was never mentioned before comes up and the conversation turns from how this person may run the team will he be good or will he not be so good, to a do not like do not want or he'll ruined it or i won't watch until hes not longer there...

I feel like waiting until a week before the draft to finally have a coach is kinda well pushing it close. Yes the GM makes the decision on who the team has for players but the HC does have some input. It may be not much at start but there is still communication between HC and GM. Its one reason why the seahawks done so great in the past decade and the sounders total success going back to year one is a good comunication pairing between HC and GM. HC may want GM to look at certain specific players for the system he will want to run and the GM will see what kind of players that would fit that and see if they are worth taking. Even with the side trades or the post draft trades good communication between the two will do wonders in the long run. No matter who is GM and who is HC.

 

[Gniwder]

I been saying this often it doesn't matter who the team hires as a head coach, it won't make that much of a difference for the first couple years until we get the roster going after we get the roster set up after a couple years to really contend for the cup then it actually matters. We aren't going to content for the cup our first year we may make the playoffs but we won't go far. We won't for year 2 or year 3 cause we won't have good enough players in order for us to go that far or at least go far enough consistently.

Hey i'm not the one that said by the end of Q2 publicly. That's all our GM's doing and this isn't the first time they pushed things back further and further. The team name was originally suppose to come out spring of 2019 but then they pushed it back to summer of 19 then fall than December then jan of 2020 then mid spring of 2020 etc. Sometimes it gets annoying. How about the team doesn't give the public timelines if they feel they can't make them and make the reveal when they they are ready to do so.

Are you saying Gallant didn't make a difference in Vegas? They weren't projected to make the playoffs even after the roster was announced.

The expansion draft is going to be heavy on defensive specialists for both forwards and defense, so Francis could be waiting to see if Lambert is interested in the job. He's been with Trotz forever, I assume he'll coach in a similar style. Personally, I think it's boring hockey to watch but you can't argue with Trotz' success.

I don't understand why people think the team is gonna suck considering how successful Vegas has been. I doubt we see the Cup finals the first season, but I don't think it'll be a bottom 10 team either.

If you want to keep obsessing about the timing of the announcement, go ahead because it's your right to do so. But it's gonna make it hard to take you seriously when there is actual news to talk about.

 

[gstommylee]

Are you saying Gallant didn't make a difference in Vegas? They weren't projected to make the playoffs even after the roster was announced.

The expansion draft is going to be heavy on defensive specialists for both forwards and defense, so Francis could be waiting to see if Lambert is interested in the job. He's been with Trotz forever, I assume he'll coach in a similar style. Personally, I think it's boring hockey to watch but you can't argue with Trotz' success.

I don't understand why people think the team is gonna suck considering how successful Vegas has been. I doubt we see the Cup finals the first season, but I don't think it'll be a bottom 10 team either.

If you want to keep obsessing about the timing of the announcement, go ahead because it's your right to do so. But it's gonna make it hard to take you seriously when there is actual news to talk about.

I have the team in the middle of being a bubble team or playing the playoffs but not going past the first round.

The HC having an input on players comes from watching the other sports and how they go about roster designing. NFL and MLS for example the HC as much as an input on the players as the GM does. HC wants a specific type of the player he tells the GM then GM goes to find such a player. Even doing draft day things are discussed between each other on what they want to do with the pick, trade up, trade down or who take with that pick. NHL teams may do things different than NFL and the MLS when it comes stuff like that.

Gallant and Vegas got lucky players performed better than expected year one.

THe thing is between vegas and Seattle was the timelines, We waited longer than vegas from expansion process to team given to final payment etc even the arena took longer. Sometimes the waiting game can be hard to deal with at times.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

It was the team that gave a timeline of end of Q2 which is in 10 days. If they can't meet a timeline they gave then don't give one.

The team also took it's time for the name etc.

Of course Francis ideally wants someone until the end of Q2 but I wouldn't be too shocked if they waited a couple more days(the semifinals will be completed by Saturday June 26th the latest and the Islanders might be done with their season by then) to be able to interview everyone on their list.

BTW: You also have to listen to the wording of Francis and, as far as I know, he always said that he would like to hire someone by then.
That's a difference to we will hire someone until this certain date.

Cause it was talked about by the hockey Media folks that we were waiting to talk to Rod. The moment after Rod signed his new contract, the 3rd interview with Tocchet happened. Team said end of Q2 (end of june) not end of the playoffs which is in July.

That's actually not what they said.
They said Brind'Amour would be the choice if he doesn't re-sign with Carolina because him and Francis are buddies.

That was way more speculation than anything and looking at them grasping for answers about the HC job with the Kraken shows me they just don't know all that much of what our front office has in mind.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

Another Ian Furness interview

As Kraken head coaching search winds down, Ian Furness joins "Q It Up Sports"

 

[brewski420]

If Tocchet has already had three interviews and is not already hired I have a hard time believing that he will be the HC. I obviously could be wrong but information leaking about him and really nobody else makes me believe it is his camp putting this information out to Friedman and others. I also believe once SC Finals start the teams that advance sometimes make assistants available for interview before the finals start but I could be wrong.

I also agree the urgency isn't all that great especially as it pertains to when Francis said he would like to have a HC hired.