Vancouver Canucks: Coaching Controversy Far From Over
By David Joun
No matter what the Vancouver Canucks say, the coaching controversy is far from over.
Is it just me or do the Vancouver Canucks have two legitimate candidates to bring in as new coaches this offseason? Sure, Willie Desjardins is in full control of the ship this season. That ship is a sinking one, solely saved by the influx of youth serving as the silver lining.
Just look at the standings. No silver lining to be found there.
By the end of the weekend, the Canucks could be in the bottom five of the league standings. Do I foresee the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames passing the Canucks by the end of the coming week?
But regardless of this season’s ultimate outcome — whether it be the youth or the points (the lack thereof) in the standings — in view of the season to come, Desjardins is definitely not a logical sure-shot to be Vancouver’s bench boss.
Apparently not in Trevor Linden’s opinion. The President of Hockey Operations of the Canucks assured his staff and his fans that the entire Desjardins coaching crew will be back next season. Here is his quote from Ben Kuzma of The Province.
"“We expected to be very young this year — which we are — and we’ve handed Willie a real challenge with several rookies on any give night and I think he has performed well. I’m not making any excuses, but there’s no reason for us to consider a change. The rookies have made steps. Nothing is perfect.” (Trevor Linden, The Province)"
But what about Travis Green? Has he not done enough yet to earn himself a promotion of sorts? Who in the recent history of the Canucks organization has led the AHL farm team to the Calder Cup Finals? Who is feeding Vancouver with players like Mike Zalewski and Brendan Gaunce?
And what about good ol’ Marc Crawford? Has his wonderful stint in the Swiss Elite League not put him on the short-list for an NHL coaching gig? Who wants Willie Desjardins when one can have Marc Crawford instead?
So here it is, the Canucklehead Lament, presenting the potential for a change behind the bench for the Vancouver Canucks. Whatever the management says, logic says otherwise.
Next: Case for TRAVIS GREEN