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The Kinder, Gentler Version
Knoblauch was the big, exciting coaching prospect when he was running those star studded Erie teams. He's lost a bit of the shine, since. But he's been paying dues and gaining experience the whole time.It'll change daily but I think my preference is Leaman with the right assistants, then Thompson, then MVR.
Lane Lambert is qualified, but I don't know. Not exactly young (57 next season). He's a Trotz disciple -- Trotz hockey is winning hockey but it's not terribly exciting. I'd love to watch exciting hockey for once.
None of the other commonly mentioned candidates are inspiring.
Personally, I'm not at all interested in Leaman. He wouldn't make my top ten. He never played at any high level. He's had a hell of a career but it's been coaching boutique programs in Rhode Island and Schenectady.