Speculation: 2024-25 Coaching/Management/Ownership

[JAHV]

I couldn’t care less about those comments from Bush tbh

It's the first concrete thing I've read or heard that makes me less hopeful about Cronin as the Ducks' coach. Yes, he works the guys hard, but I have no problem with that. It's professional sports; it should be hard. The practice on preseason game days doesn't bother me at all. And some of his methods seem gimmicky, but most coaches have their "thing" that they do differently to instill good habits (whether it works is another story).

But if players are feeling psychological pressure and if he's structuring practices in an idiotic way, that's concerning.

 

[Deuce22]

I think Lybushkin’s comments serve as confirmation bias for those who already don’t like Cronin. I’m in wait and see mode for now. If there isn’t significant improvement this season, a new coach is called for.

 

[AngelDuck]

I think Lybushkin’s comments serve as confirmation bias for those who already don’t like Cronin. I’m in wait and see mode for now. If there isn’t significant improvement this season, a new coach is called for.

I’m in a different camp personally. I was defending Cronin on here prior to the comments. Now I find it less easy to defend him without seeing more.

Like you I’m in wait and see mode right now.

 

[Rasp]

I think Lybushkin’s comments serve as confirmation bias for those who already don’t like Cronin. I’m in wait and see mode for now. If there isn’t significant improvement this season, a new coach is called for.

I was fine with Cronin until I saw those comments. I'm sure there is more to it but it is not a good look. He needs to perform this year or get yeeted before he f***s the development of the kids

 

[70sSanO]

It is not so much what we think of Lybushkin’s comments, but what potential FA’s think of them.

We have a team that can barely make basic hockey plays, are bottom feeders, and an AHL coach. Players talk. If those comments reflect more of a consensus, why would a top FA sign with us.

We have a tough enough time attracting high level FA’s without this. I’m not saying this impacted Stamkos not coming here, but going from Cooper to Cronin to be on one of the worst teams seems like a bridge too far regardless of the offer.

If the team plays as befuddled this year as last, and our top players continue to under perform, PV will have to cut bait.

John

 

[ohcomeonref]

I think Lybushkin’s comments serve as confirmation bias for those who already don’t like Cronin. I’m in wait and see mode for now. If there isn’t significant improvement this season, a new coach is called for.

One of the key factors with confirmation bias is that the individual is willfully trying to only seek out information that confirms their initial beliefs. It just so happens that the shit winds are swirling around Cronin, but I'd happily eat up any positive news about him.

 

[ADHB]

My opinion is it comes off even worse because the team was so terrible. Lyubushkin himself said that it was really the losing that got old. If the team was winning, I don’t think anyone would care if the coaches had some goofy meeting before every practice. And it was a lack of talent, not unorthodox practice sessions, that led to the losing. Lybushkin had a lot more fun playing for the Leafs because they were a good team that made the playoffs, not because practices were more normal.

That being said, Cronin has really proven nothing so far. He was hired because he was supposed to be good at developing young players. That’s basically all this team has. So if he fails to get improvement from the guys in the 20-22 age range, then it’s time to move on.

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

I think Lybushkin’s comments serve as confirmation bias for those who already don’t like Cronin.

100% but I also don't think @MMC 's dismissal is the right approach either. It's not the end all be all, but it's certainly not nothing either.

Like you, I'm in wait and see mode as well. Another season like last year, then yeah, like you, it's tough for me to see a reason for Verbeek to keep him.

Do we still not know how long Cronin was signed for?

 

[KaseMeOutside]

Bush was trying to be nice with what he was saying. That lends more credence to his criticisms for me.

If you look at the Ducks roster they have competitive forward talent, this team should be playing to score more goals, if they are struggling to generate offense again then I'm going to be looking at the coach there's no excuse for it this season

 

[MCB]

Lybushkin had a lot more fun playing for the Leafs because they were a good team that made the playoffs, not because practices were more normal.

Well maybe, I've heard the leafs had dance parties and a dj at their practices.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I think Lybushkin’s comments serve as confirmation bias for those who already don’t like Cronin. I’m in wait and see mode for now. If there isn’t significant improvement this season, a new coach is called for.

You say confirmation bias and others see it as mounting evidence. The fact Cronin capitulated to changing the order of events is evidence of a mistake. Cronin has thrown the team under the bus a few times in post game interviews last year. Cronin was hands off (observation mode) in the last 20 games of the season to see who can sink or swim.

Here's a post game interview after our 4-0 loss to the Kings in pre-season (question prompted by Derek Lee to Cronin):



We're still not showing enough effort and competitiveness on the ice in pre-season games, but that was what Verbeek praised Cronin for last season. Why are our players still tuned out?

I'm probably in same mindset as Lyubushkin such that Cronin is a good guy and a good coach, but his practices (not literal practices) probably aren't ideal. That's probably the same description of Babcock. I do hope Cronin can improve the team's discipline and ES offense at the very least, which can result into a significant boost in points production. I am actively rooting for the Ducks to succeed, but there's nothing wrong with compiling all these evidence to see if a negative pattern is brewing.

 

[Deuce22]

You say confirmation bias and others see it as mounting evidence. The fact Cronin capitulated to changing the order of events is evidence of a mistake. Cronin has thrown the team under the bus a few times in post game interviews last year. Cronin was hands off (observation mode) in the last 20 games of the season to see who can sink or swim.

Here's a post game interview after our 4-0 loss to the Kings in pre-season (question prompted by Derek Lee to Cronin):



We're still not showing enough effort and competitiveness on the ice in pre-season games, but that was what Verbeek praised Cronin for last season. Why are our players still tuned out?

I'm probably in same mindset as Lyubushkin such that Cronin is a good guy and a good coach, but his practices (not literal practices) probably aren't ideal. That's probably the same description of Babcock. I do hope Cronin can improve the team's discipline and ES offense at the very least, which can result into a significant boost in points production. I am actively rooting for the Ducks to succeed, but there's nothing wrong with compiling all these evidence to see if a negative pattern is brewing.

I need more evidence than we have so far to conclude that Cronin can’t coach. His style (being a red ass, working the players hard) may not be what some like, but I think it’s what Verbeek hired him to do. We’ll see-if we are seeing more of the same on the ice, I’m ready for a change.

 

[MMC]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841605070569234899

 

[GreatBear]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841605070569234899

Well, that was a non answer. For those who don't like Gibson's performance, he is an absolute star compared to Dansk. I will give Clang another year or two to develop, but I do not think that he is a long term answer.

 

[All Mighty]

Well, that was a non answer. For those who don't like Gibson's performance, he is an absolute star compared to Dansk. I will give Clang another year or two to develop, but I do not think that he is a long term answer.

I took his answer as saying that if Gibson’s timeline is closer to 3 weeks, then he is fine not making a move. But if it looks closer to 6 weeks, then maybe they look at the waiver wire for a stopgap that can give Dostal a break. I would be surprised if they are comfortable with Clang or Dansk in the backup role for a lengthy period of time.

 

[Quack Shot]

The latest Behind the Bench is a must listen.

 

[2faded]

The latest Behind the Bench is a must listen.

Link?

 

[Quack Shot]

Link?

 

[Deuce22]

Real interesting. I thought Alexis asked some good questions. Seems like Cronin was humbled a bit by last season.

 

[Static]

I wonder if this was recorded before lyubushkin's comments, or if Alexis has the ovaries to ask him about it.

 

[Rybread86]

I wonder if this was recorded before lyubushkin's comments, or if Alexis has the ovaries to ask him about it.

Specific question wasnt asked but he talked about the stuff Bush brought up.

Sounds like his end of year recap with Beeker included finding different ways to talk to the guys, bring a different approach while still keeping them accountable. Also part of the reason Clune was brought in

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

Candid and thoughtful answers from Cronin and I respect it.

- was surprised by the amount of non-hockey work that went in to being an NHL head coach. Time management was an issue for him.
- his “bulldog through it” mentality was problematic once the going became tough, starting with that 8-game losing streak
- end-of-year meeting with management, analytics, and strength coaching that was “intense” and everyone learned what they could have done better
- was embarrassed by the team’s record. Second worst year of his career. “brutal” psychological journey
- feels they were honest and transparent with the kids, if nothing else. But was perhaps too vocal, PV told him to back off a couple times
- Gudas (and other leaders) will step into the space where Cronin was “bulldogging” before and that will make the message more effective and less counterproductive
- praised Newell Brown, Johnson, Ferguson, but said he needed guys who were better complements to him
- his reflex is to not negotiate with the players. He thinks that if a coach asks you to do something, you do it. But players don’t tolerate that these days and he wants to adapt, and so the new coaches are there to help him navigate that better. Singled out Clune in particular about it. Spoke in detail about why he wanted each new coach and how he felt it would help
- he coached with Randy Carlyle in Toronto. RC: “you goalie coaches only have to worry about 2 flippin’ guys, you have it easy.” Picked Budaj as goalie coach because he worried about goalies in terms of the entire roster
- thinks it’ll be easier this year because the players know him, know the drills, and the coaches have the benefit of analytics correction over the summer

Have to pause to put the kid to bed, right before he starts talking about Leo.

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

Candid and thoughtful answers from Cronin and I respect it.

- was surprised by the amount of non-hockey work that went in to being an NHL head coach. Time management was an issue for him.
- his “bulldog through it” mentality was problematic once the going became tough, starting with that 8-game losing streak
- end-of-year meeting with management, analytics, and strength coaching that was “intense” and everyone learned what they could have done better
- was embarrassed by the team’s record. Second worst year of his career. “brutal” psychological journey
- feels they were honest and transparent with the kids, if nothing else. But was perhaps too vocal, PV told him to back off a couple times
- Gudas (and other leaders) will step into the space where Cronin was “bulldogging” before and that will make the message more effective and less counterproductive
- praised Newell Brown, Johnson, Ferguson, but said he needed guys who were better complements to him
- his reflex is to not negotiate with the players. He thinks that if a coach asks you to do something, you do it. But players don’t tolerate that these days and he wants to adapt, and so the new coaches are there to help him navigate that better. Singled out Clune in particular about it. Spoke in detail about why he wanted each new coach and how he felt it would help
- he coached with Randy Carlyle in Toronto. RC: “you goalie coaches only have to worry about 2 flippin’ guys, you have it easy.” Picked Budaj as goalie coach because he worried about goalies in terms of the entire roster
- thinks it’ll be easier this year because the players know him, know the drills, and the coaches have the benefit of analytics correction over the summer

Have to pause to put the kid to bed, right before he starts talking about Leo.

I'm dying to know what he was saying if Pat, who I feel like is kind of a weirdo himself, had to be the voice of reason!

 

[Static]

Candid and thoughtful answers from Cronin and I respect it.

- was surprised by the amount of non-hockey work that went in to being an NHL head coach. Time management was an issue for him.
- his “bulldog through it” mentality was problematic once the going became tough, starting with that 8-game losing streak
- end-of-year meeting with management, analytics, and strength coaching that was “intense” and everyone learned what they could have done better
- was embarrassed by the team’s record. Second worst year of his career. “brutal” psychological journey
- feels they were honest and transparent with the kids, if nothing else. But was perhaps too vocal, PV told him to back off a couple times
- Gudas (and other leaders) will step into the space where Cronin was “bulldogging” before and that will make the message more effective and less counterproductive
- praised Newell Brown, Johnson, Ferguson, but said he needed guys who were better complements to him
- his reflex is to not negotiate with the players. He thinks that if a coach asks you to do something, you do it. But players don’t tolerate that these days and he wants to adapt, and so the new coaches are there to help him navigate that better. Singled out Clune in particular about it. Spoke in detail about why he wanted each new coach and how he felt it would help
- he coached with Randy Carlyle in Toronto. RC: “you goalie coaches only have to worry about 2 flippin’ guys, you have it easy.” Picked Budaj as goalie coach because he worried about goalies in terms of the entire roster
- thinks it’ll be easier this year because the players know him, know the drills, and the coaches have the benefit of analytics correction over the summer

Have to pause to put the kid to bed, right before he starts talking about Leo.

Really encouraging introspection.

Also, analytics correction? That's interesting.

 

[robbieboy3686]

Candid and thoughtful answers from Cronin and I respect it.

- was surprised by the amount of non-hockey work that went in to being an NHL head coach. Time management was an issue for him.
- his “bulldog through it” mentality was problematic once the going became tough, starting with that 8-game losing streak
- end-of-year meeting with management, analytics, and strength coaching that was “intense” and everyone learned what they could have done better
- was embarrassed by the team’s record. Second worst year of his career. “brutal” psychological journey
- feels they were honest and transparent with the kids, if nothing else. But was perhaps too vocal, PV told him to back off a couple times
- Gudas (and other leaders) will step into the space where Cronin was “bulldogging” before and that will make the message more effective and less counterproductive
- praised Newell Brown, Johnson, Ferguson, but said he needed guys who were better complements to him
- his reflex is to not negotiate with the players. He thinks that if a coach asks you to do something, you do it. But players don’t tolerate that these days and he wants to adapt, and so the new coaches are there to help him navigate that better. Singled out Clune in particular about it. Spoke in detail about why he wanted each new coach and how he felt it would help
- he coached with Randy Carlyle in Toronto. RC: “you goalie coaches only have to worry about 2 flippin’ guys, you have it easy.” Picked Budaj as goalie coach because he worried about goalies in terms of the entire roster
- thinks it’ll be easier this year because the players know him, know the drills, and the coaches have the benefit of analytics correction over the summer

Have to pause to put the kid to bed, right before he starts talking about Leo.

Great update ty!