While one coaching comeback kid (Ted Nolan) leaves the scene, another (Terry Murray) is about to return to the head-coaching ranks. The former Capitals, Flyers and Panthers bench boss has emerged as the front-runner to take over the vacant Kings post. It will be Murray's first NHL head-coaching job since he was fired by Florida in 2000. He has been working as an assistant coach in Philadelphia since 2004.
Murray has some strong connections to Kings GM Dean Lombardi and assistant GM Ron Hextall. Both worked with Murray in Philadelphia. During his long goaltending career, Hexy played for Murray and was part of the goaltending duo (along with current Isles GM Garth Snow) that helped Murray's Flyers reach the Stanley Cup finals in 1997.
Murray, the younger brother of Senators GM Bryan Murray, brings a more patient approach than Marc Crawford, who was fired by the Kings on June 10 with one year left on his contract. A former NHL defender, Murray will need to be patient with a very young group on his blue line.
Lombardi could help his new coach by making a strong pitch to the Blackhawks for goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who'll likely be available due to the free-agent arrival of Cristobal Huet in the Windy City. The Kings are desperate for a legitimate No. 1 goalie to serve as a stopgap until top prospect Jonathan Bernier is ready to take on the challenge. Khabibulin has only one year ($6.75 million) left on his current contract. The Kings, who haven't yet reached the salary floor for next season, would have no problem taking on those dollars.
BON VOYAGE, TED
The only thing surprising about the Islanders' decision to part ways with now former coach Ted Nolan is the timing. Most around the Isles will tell you they figured Nolan sealed his fate in the second half of the season when he repeatedly talked about a lack of talent on his bench. When you make public comments of that nature, you're challenging upper management. That's usually not a way to cement your position behind the bench.
Nolan's remarks were heard in his dressing room, too. In the immediate aftermath of the club's nonplayoff season, one prominent Islander publicly wondered if Nolan was trying to get himself fired.
If he was, he succeeded.
From what I understand, the timing of the final decision was more a result of trying to get everyone (most importantly, owner Charles Wang) on board with the decision. Nolan had one more season left on his contract. As part of the "mutual agreement" between Nolan and the club, he will receive his 2008-09 salary in full.
Going forward, GM Garth Snow will have an opportunity to hire "his" coach. Snow inherited Nolan when he replaced Neil Smith on July 18, 2006. If the Isles are willing to spend money on a top coach, they could make a play for John Tortorella, Bob Hartley, Marc Crawford or Pat Burns. Of that group, I'd probably opt for Johnny Torts.
If they stay in-house, assistant coach Gerard Gallant does have previous head-coaching experience -- albeit unsuccessful -- in Columbus.
Whoever gets the gig, he better have the ability to work with young players. The Islanders have no choice but to take the smart route -- building through the draft. At the very least, that takes two things: time and patience.
MAKING PLANS
If you're already itchy for next season, the league will be releasing the full 2008-09 schedule on Thursday. The highlight of the upcoming season will be the second "annual" Winter Classic on Jan. 1. The Red Wings and Blackhawks are reportedly set to meet at historic Wrigley Field. The league is planning a news conference in Chicago sometime next week to make the official announcement of the holiday outdoor treat.
ON THE ROAD
I'll let you know how I feel about the new schedule next week. I'm headed to Barcelona to see Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. I have to tell you, this trip is making an old puckhead like me feel like a kid again.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Speaking of being a kid again, Happy 75th Birthday, Mom! You're the best!
E.J. Hradek
