Hutch... Just Stop! You don't know everything that's going on either so you really need to tone it down because you're going to make people angry enough that they'll eventually discount everything you say. Just chill out.
Now back to the topic....
Personal opinion is that Edwards isn't going anywhere. While winning is important he has developed a handful of players now with the Coyotes. I'm working on a story that will address several topics including coaching. I will say that after talking with Treliving I get the sense that no change is coming in the coaching dept. If they were to make a change I think we'd likely see Playfair or King become the head coach and Edwards reassigned likely as an assistant working with the forwards and power play. Both know Tippett's system and can tout the company line.
Kiabur is pretty spot on with many of the facts that played a role in this season being such a disaster. It was the lease, Pirates’ ownership, roster, fan base, Minard and Edwards gets some blame in this as well.
The lease issue, timing of the lease issue and the late decision to make the change to play full time in Lewiston was a big factor. The travel to and from where many of the players had decided to live – Saco/OOB region – to Lewiston played a role. It was more than an hour travel one-way for some players and with the winter that we had it was tough travel at times. Also, the lack of fan support in the Lewiston/Auburn area was embarrassing. It played a role in the player’s performance. Most night’s it felt like a beer league game and the players played as such. I was one who touted that L/A could support a team and the Colisee would be packed every game. I was severely incorrect in that assessment. Lewiston lost a street cred with me moving forward.
The team itself was not very good. They had some pieces with Lessio, Rieder, Miele etc, but this team didn’t have enough to weather the tough times. There was no leadership on this team. There was no one to grab the team and assume leadership and lead the youngster through the tough times. It was a lot of “let’s figure it out as we go”.
Your AHL team exists for two reasons: to develop players and to produce call-up ready veterans to step in on your NHL team in a pinch. When Klinkhammer, Johnson, McMillan, et al have been called up, they've all been able to slot right into Tippett's system, and the young players seem to mostly be developing fine down there.
I won’t disagree that it’s the purpose of an AHL team to develop players for the NHL parent club, but I strongly disagree that it’s the only reason. Let’s not forget that the Portland Pirates franchise has been around longer than the Coyotes have been in PHX and have fanbase that needs to be catered to as well. The fanbase understands the role of the AHL team, but they don’t want to be used or – as in this season – abused. They want a winning franchise to support. Ownership has to sell tickets and winning sells and if you are winning you likely developing at the same time. Many here could care less about the Coyotes. They have no attachment to the team because of its location in proximity to Portland. This is a Boston Bruins/Montreal Canadians and I suspect Quebec Nordiques market when they eventually join the NHL as some point in the future. It was the same issue with the Anaheim Ducks. The difference was the Pirates were successful so it hid the distance. The Sabres had success as well, but they were a little closer to Portland so people could attend games, follow the team on TV and in the news. They were able to build a connection that I would assert still stands today. So, while the role of the AHL team may be to develop players for the NHL don’t discount the fan here in Portland. It’s disrespectful to those who choose to support the Pirates and lay down their hard earned money on season tickets and merchandise.
In terms of the team next season… It’s on the Coyotes to put a winner on the ice next season for the Pirates or I think the affiliation might be at risk. Under the Coyotes, the Pirates have missed the playoffs two out of the last three years and this season is going to go down as one of the worst in franchise history. The return to the Civic Center should yield a good team as the Coyotes have 13 players under contract and of the pending RFA going into next season I suspect most will be qualified. To me the exception on who will be qualified is with Weller and Brodeur. I think all the UFA’s are gone. I would like to see Miele re-signed, but I think he’s looking for a one-way contract or one that’s going to produce a better opportunity to play in the NHL. With the pieces in place, if the Coyotes need to bring in a several strong veterans the Pirates should be competitive.
Sorry, I’m not on as much as I used to be. This has been a very difficult year, not just the Pirates, but for myself as I’ve had to shift my attention to other areas in the Maine hockey world. People can still find me at FB page and on Twitter – if you want links just PM me – and of course there is the website. I’m working on making sure next year is a much better year for Portland Pirates coverage.