Could the Dallas Stars coaching situation be settled this week? Signs are starting to emerge across the internet that suggest a resolution is nearing, or at least the rumors are spreading.
Yesterday Bob McKennzie of TSN tweeted the following:
Coaching Carousel: smart $ on Paul MacLean to OTT, Glen Gulutzan to DAL, Craig MacTavish or Mike Yeo to MIN. Not done deals yet, just IMO. [Twitter]
His guesses are usually good ones as he is one of the most connected people in hockey.
Today the Tennessean in Nashville published a report that Peter Horachek, long time assistant coach with the Nashville Predators, will not get the Dallas job and that he expects to remains there, though they hold a team option on him.
Piecing together the hints and clues that Gm Joe Nieuwendyk dropped to the media last week and it's starting to look like a two horse race between Kirk Muller and Glen Gulutzan, with coach Gulutzan as the lead.
"This time around, I'm looking for a guy who can grow with a young group of players," said Nieuwendyk of his new bench boss. That seemingly rules out Ken Hitchcock as well, who did get an interview, and leaves just Gulutzan (39) and Muller (45).
Stars' Associate coach Willie Desjardins was a fan favorite choice to succeed Marc Crawford but was not mentioned in any of the early rumblings, nor does it appear that he got an interview, and Joe's comments last week offer at least a partial explanation as to why, if age is indeed a part of "growing with a team." Still, Willie would be an invaluable tool for one of these younger coaches and it is hoped he'd stick around.
Stay tuned to DBD for analysis on news when it happens.