I'm choosing to make this thread rather than have it buried in the Coaching thread, because I think it deserves its own discussion.
I think Marc Crawford should be the next Oilers head coach. I know people here are iffy on him, but let me break down exactly why.
First of all I don't expect him to work miracles here. He isn't going to magically turn the Oilers into a playoff team, you're asking for a religious deity if that's what you expect, not an NHL coach. However I think given the make up of the Oilers (lots of offensive minded forwards, not great D, no franchise goalie), he is a good fit. He apparently wants the Oilers job too.
He is also tremendous at developing young offensive players:
1.) West Coast Express - Lets look at his career in Vancouver firstly with two players, Todd Bertuzzi and Marcus Naslund, both 1st round picks, both given up on by their previous teams (Pitt and NYI).
Naslund had one OK year in Pittsburgh, getting 50 points, but you have to remember he was playing with a 120+ point Mario Lemieux, so it wasn't that impressive. It isn't until he gets to Vancouver under Crawford that he explodes, having a 100 point season sandwiched by two more 82+ point seasons.
Bertuzzi also given up on by the Islanders as a 1st rounder, explodes under Crawford culminating with a 97 point season.
Another thing the Oilers should look at here ... that Canucks team had no stud no.1 center, they were built around Naslund and Bertuzzi ... remind you of any team?
2.) Super Sedin Bros. Another thing to look at when evaluating Crawford ... look at how he developed the Sedins who required considerably more patience and time (cough*Yakupov*cough). Under his coaching they do eventually break out with Henrik and Daniel hitting 70+ points in Crawford's last year as coach. They have been the foundation of the Canucks ever since, but Crawford should be given credit for doing a lot of the development.
3.) Kopitar and Benn - Even though his tenures in LA and Dallas weren't as successful (though I suspect the people of Edmonton would throw a parade if the Oilers ever won 40+ games like the Stars did), it should be noted that he coached Kopitar and Jamie Benn in their early years. Neither was a top 10 pick, yet he got a lot out of those kids obviously, Benn being a 5th round pick(!). Dustin Brown also developed well under Crawford (infact his career high of 33 goals is under Crawford). Imagine a coach who could not only just develop the Halls/RNHs but maybe even the Landers/Yakimovs etc. that we have here. Crawford has done it before.
4.) Fire Behind The Bench - I know he's mellowed a bit, but the Oilers strike me as a team that badly need a fire brand coach. No more of this sissy Mac T/Eakins brand of hockey where you don't stand up for teammates because you want a powerplay. The Bertuzzi situation spiralled out of control, but fundamentally I think Crawford was right to not let Naslund get run without a response. We need a coach who can be an emotional leader, not just draw up the plays.
I know Todd Nelson deserves a go here, but another rookie coach here? Really? For Todd's sake he should go back to OKC after this year before his coaching career is turfed ala Eakins. We need an experienced coach back there this franchise is too fragile and young as is.
I think Marc Crawford should be the next Oilers head coach. I know people here are iffy on him, but let me break down exactly why.
First of all I don't expect him to work miracles here. He isn't going to magically turn the Oilers into a playoff team, you're asking for a religious deity if that's what you expect, not an NHL coach. However I think given the make up of the Oilers (lots of offensive minded forwards, not great D, no franchise goalie), he is a good fit. He apparently wants the Oilers job too.
He is also tremendous at developing young offensive players:
1.) West Coast Express - Lets look at his career in Vancouver firstly with two players, Todd Bertuzzi and Marcus Naslund, both 1st round picks, both given up on by their previous teams (Pitt and NYI).
Naslund had one OK year in Pittsburgh, getting 50 points, but you have to remember he was playing with a 120+ point Mario Lemieux, so it wasn't that impressive. It isn't until he gets to Vancouver under Crawford that he explodes, having a 100 point season sandwiched by two more 82+ point seasons.
Bertuzzi also given up on by the Islanders as a 1st rounder, explodes under Crawford culminating with a 97 point season.
Another thing the Oilers should look at here ... that Canucks team had no stud no.1 center, they were built around Naslund and Bertuzzi ... remind you of any team?
2.) Super Sedin Bros. Another thing to look at when evaluating Crawford ... look at how he developed the Sedins who required considerably more patience and time (cough*Yakupov*cough). Under his coaching they do eventually break out with Henrik and Daniel hitting 70+ points in Crawford's last year as coach. They have been the foundation of the Canucks ever since, but Crawford should be given credit for doing a lot of the development.
3.) Kopitar and Benn - Even though his tenures in LA and Dallas weren't as successful (though I suspect the people of Edmonton would throw a parade if the Oilers ever won 40+ games like the Stars did), it should be noted that he coached Kopitar and Jamie Benn in their early years. Neither was a top 10 pick, yet he got a lot out of those kids obviously, Benn being a 5th round pick(!). Dustin Brown also developed well under Crawford (infact his career high of 33 goals is under Crawford). Imagine a coach who could not only just develop the Halls/RNHs but maybe even the Landers/Yakimovs etc. that we have here. Crawford has done it before.
4.) Fire Behind The Bench - I know he's mellowed a bit, but the Oilers strike me as a team that badly need a fire brand coach. No more of this sissy Mac T/Eakins brand of hockey where you don't stand up for teammates because you want a powerplay. The Bertuzzi situation spiralled out of control, but fundamentally I think Crawford was right to not let Naslund get run without a response. We need a coach who can be an emotional leader, not just draw up the plays.
I know Todd Nelson deserves a go here, but another rookie coach here? Really? For Todd's sake he should go back to OKC after this year before his coaching career is turfed ala Eakins. We need an experienced coach back there this franchise is too fragile and young as is.
, the trade, just ask them 
