Squirrel in the Hole
Be the best squirrel in the hole
From Elliott Friedman "30 Thoughts". Take a look at number 19 (how poetic!):
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-islanders-working-hard-john-tavares-extension-pitch/
19. It is very rare that players reach out to me to promote their coaches, but one did last week. He texted on behalf of AHL Grand Rapids coach Todd Nelson, who was in Edmonton before Todd McLellan. The Griffins are up 2–0 on Milwaukee in the first round of the playoffs. Anthony Mantha took big strides under Nelson. He felt Nelson deserved more “buzz” around his name.
Not clear if it was Mantha that contacted Friedman, but what a ringing endorsement. If the Griffins go far into the playoffs or win the Calder Cup, you can bet some NHL teams will come calling. Which kind of puts Holland in the same spot he was two years ago: promote the AHL coach, the one that's making the younger players better, or lose him.
I know this is well-trodden ground on this board, but, as Friedman pointed out, it's rare that this sort of endorsement comes from a player.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-islanders-working-hard-john-tavares-extension-pitch/
19. It is very rare that players reach out to me to promote their coaches, but one did last week. He texted on behalf of AHL Grand Rapids coach Todd Nelson, who was in Edmonton before Todd McLellan. The Griffins are up 2–0 on Milwaukee in the first round of the playoffs. Anthony Mantha took big strides under Nelson. He felt Nelson deserved more “buzz” around his name.
Not clear if it was Mantha that contacted Friedman, but what a ringing endorsement. If the Griffins go far into the playoffs or win the Calder Cup, you can bet some NHL teams will come calling. Which kind of puts Holland in the same spot he was two years ago: promote the AHL coach, the one that's making the younger players better, or lose him.
I know this is well-trodden ground on this board, but, as Friedman pointed out, it's rare that this sort of endorsement comes from a player.