On the New York Rangers …
Darren Dreger: College coaches who are in the mix for Rangers vacant head coaching position: Jim Montgomery (U of Denver), David Quinn (Boston U) and Scott Sandelin (Minnesota-Duluth).
On the Dallas Stars …
Sean Shapiro of The Athletic: (mailbag) AHL coaches the Stars could consider include Todd Nelson and Sheldon Keefe.
Shapiro believes “the Stars are truly embracing a candidate pool that looks at up-and-coming coaches and one that focusses on coaches that can adapt and change with an ever-evolving sport.”
The Stars had originally hoped that Ken Hitchcock would be there for at least two season, but the season wore down Hitchcock and the organization.
On the Calgary Flames and Bill Peters …
Chirs Nichols: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050: “My understanding is there’s a lot of conversation between (Peters) and the Calgary #Flames right now. I think they’re trying to finalize a deal. I’m not reporting that it’s done, but I’m suggesting that I wouldn’t be surprised if they get it done.”
Bob McKenzie: “Interesting game of cat and mouse going on in CAR with head coach Bill Peters and owner Tom Dundon. Peters, for now, has option to leave CAR. Sense is Peters’ strong preference is to NOT return. He is a candidate in CGY/DAL and belief is the Albertan’s preference is to go home.”
Bob McKenzie: “Meanwhile, the sense is Dundon also has a strong preference for Peters to NOT come back. If Peters exercises his option to leave, Dundon is off the hook for Peters’ contract and would be free to name a new head coach. Perhaps Rod Brind’Amour.”
Bob McKenzie: “But if Peters doesn’t use option to leave, if timing and/or prospects of CGY/DAL job don’t materialize during window, Peters may not be eager to walk away from CAR with $ (one year) still on table. May prefer to be fired, but Dundon doesn’t like firing, prefers reassigning.”
Bob McKenzie: “So even though it appears Peters would strongly prefer to leave CAR and Dundon would strongly prefer him to leave, the circumstances of a potential departure have financial implications for both, so it all could get a little sticky. Unless Peters gets hired quickly elsewhere.”