You know, we're all (most of us here anyways) Leafs fans, and I get it that many of look at everything as a micromanager when discussing possibilities like this . . . Carlyle this and Nonis that. Lots of talk about Carlyle being a coach who "butts heads too much with certain players" and accusations that he holds a grudge too much. Nonis being short-sighted, etc.
But facts are facts folks - Carlyle is the coach that led a team that was supposed to finish out of the playoffs, well into the playoffs, almost knocking off the vaunted Bruins in fact (save for a 3rd period collapse). He has improved the defensive stats a 100%, while having a very similar group of players that the last coach had.
You might all consider that . . . Carlyle KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING.
If this was Wilson, with a great pedigree but terrible results . . . I'd be all with you. Mismanaging this or that, etc. But honestly, I look at this as Carlyle knowing where Gardiner needs to improve, and trying to get the most from him. At this pro level . . . it's extremely rare I think that a coach is blinded by his own ego or is too short-sighted to see a talented player for what he is. Gardiner has some defensive deficiencies! And he's young! Carlyle is his coach, it's exactly his JOB to manage him positively into a place where he can be successful, both personally and for the team.
Shop away, I say. No one on the D corps is sacred, IMHO.
