He fits here because he will make players who don't want to push for the next level very uncomfortable. If nothing else he will be a tool Gillis will be able to use to assess players who want a country club rather than a Stanley Cup.Boston Canucker wrote:If one of the objectives for a new coach is to work on developing young players, I'm not so sure how Torts then fits here.
I don't think anyone has ever gotten Nash or Gaborik to really get to that next level, at least not on a consistent basis. Nash has only reached the point per game mark twice in his career, his playoff numbers are 8 points in 16 games (5 in 12 with NY). Gaborik has been a streaky player his entire career, loads of offensive talent, but also injury prone. Gaborik has only been a true playoff performer one time in his NHL career, too bad for the Canucks it was in 2003. His numbers have always been better when playing in Europe.Boston Canucker wrote: He had some successes (Callahan and a number of the D men did blossom under his coaching, it is true) but he can also be brutal, loook at Kreider. I don't know. I didn't see Torts get Nash/Gaborik etc to go to that next level, and his pp was crap, so I don't see the fit.
I don't get the impression that Gillis is looking for a long term coach. He may say that, but remember, with GMMG it's all smoke and mirrors. I think he wants a coach who can kick this group in the ass while they still have the talent and energy left to get it done. I think he is indeed going for the Hail Mary behind the bench right now, with this current roster it's all he has left.Boston Canucker wrote: Maybe his nutjob bullying could work for a year or two, pull off a run to the Cup, but that seems a hail mary pass. If Gillis is looking for a coach who can be a long term guy, work with the young guys as you develop the transition to the next core of leaders over the next 5-7 years then Torts is surely the wrong guy. I hope he's not hired. Stevens seems to make sense, and Bylsma is be becomes free.