Speculation: 2024-25 Coaching/Management/Ownership

[Dr Johnny Fever]

I never said anything about doing it for the Ducks. They’re doing it to make money.

Just that the Ducks are an integral part of the entire plan.

Well, that’s kinda my point. The project is only about making more money and not a reflection on whether or not they are cheap owners of the Ducks. I don’t necessarily think they are cheap but nobody will ever mistake their spending for the leafs or rangers level.

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

Well, that’s kinda my point. The project is only about making more money and not a reflection on whether or not they are cheap owners of the Ducks. I don’t necessarily think they are cheap but nobody will ever mistake their spending for the leafs or rangers level.

I just don’t think there is any logic to the idea that they would spend a fortune on every aspect of the team except for the team itself.

And to your point, the Rags and Leafs are the two highest value teams in the league in the middle of their window, of course they’re going to spend big right now.

From 2016-2020 we spent up to the cap. We had literally $0 in cap space in the 16-17 season.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

It shouldn't even be a debate, if Montgomery will take the job you hire him now. Good job Cronin getting the most out of Brett Leason, he's not the future of this team. We need a coach that can get the young players trending up and a better system

This team is where it is because of Dostal standing on his head so often it's not sustainable. Get someone here with some credibility

 

[emptynetter3]

By way of comparison, look at Arte Moreno. He goes out and spends giant money for free agent hitters, and it has NOT worked out at all (see: Rendon, A.)

Calling the Samuelis "cheap" is inaccurate and unfair. Wasn't it reported that they offered more $ to Stamkos and Marchessault? They're not afraid to spend but they have a GM who's just not very good at GMing.

agree about the samueli's, but if they have a "downfall" its that they just "stay out" of it......which should be a good thing (and is) but there is no acountability from media/fans for the management.....they never have to explain or answer anything.

 

[emptynetter3]

Montgomery was my pick for coach of the Ducks before he was hired with the Bruins. He had issues with alcohol and has since worked to be better. However, his time in Dallas was very good and the players really liked him. In Boston, his record speaks for himself. I think he's one of the best coaches in hockey.

I have been vocal of my issues with Cronin and this is such a good coach available. It's ultimately up to Montgomery and whether he would want to coach a team like the Ducks. But if he did.... it would be so good for this team.

agree...it is up to Monty but if PV hasn't already been on the phone and doing everything in his power to get him here, then I give up on this team and PV needs to be fired because he is a egomaniac.... this team is facing getting rid of players like Fowler/zegras/ whoever else to "fix" things, when you can right now try to have a clearer picture before making those moves.....also, Monty had terry at DU and I know they are very fond of each other....it could be huge for a guy like terry and I truly think zegras, Mac, cutter, Carl, minty would thrive under him....he has a modern day view/style he wants to his teams to play and players love playing that type of game......its honestly a no brainier.

 

[Rybread86]

The "owners are cheap" discussions are old and tired. Every year they were competitive they spent all the money they could. They gave permission to trade for guys like Kes. They had no problem going after one of the most coveted coaches in Bruce.

They gave Beeker the go to try and signs guys like Stamkos/Marchy.

This is still a business. Owners still need to make good business decisions and shouldn't be expected to spend stupid money in cap when the team isn't competitive and selling like they used. And I'll bet they are/were still willing to spend more than they are now if Beeker could get a deal signed.

 

[Dr Johnny Fever]

I just don’t think there is any logic to the idea that they would spend a fortune on every aspect of the team except for the team itself.

And to your point, the Rags and Leafs are the two highest value teams in the league in the middle of their window, of course they’re going to spend big right now.

From 2016-2020 we spent up to the cap. We had literally $0 in cap space in the 16-17 season.

I don’t disagree as far as on ice spending goes. I’m not as sure about off ice but still hockey related spending.

 

[MMC]

I hope no one in this thread actually thinks Cronin is going to get fired during a 3 game winning streak so we can hire a new coach. I mean I like to think this board is a level above Twitter and Reddit in terms of the quality of discussions but that would seriously have me rethinking that

 

[All Mighty]

I hope no one in this thread actually thinks Cronin is going to get fired during a 3 game winning streak so we can hire a new coach. I mean I like to think this board is a level above Twitter and Reddit in terms of the quality of discussions but that would seriously have me rethinking that

While I agree that it's very unlikely to happen, if Verbeek does think very highly of Montgomery, the next few days are likely the only chance he will ever have to hire him. Definitely a huge if, but I don't think it's impossible.

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

While I agree that it's very unlikely to happen, if Verbeek does think very highly of Montgomery, the next few days are likely the only chance he will ever have to hire him. Definitely a huge if, but I don't think it's impossible.

Unless Montgomery wants to wait out the season and see what his options are

 

[emptynetter3]

I hope no one in this thread actually thinks Cronin is going to get fired during a 3 game winning streak so we can hire a new coach. I mean I like to think this board is a level above Twitter and Reddit in terms of the quality of discussions but that would seriously have me rethinking that

3 games doesn't erase the previous 97 under Cronin IMO.....if a GM isn't looking to improve his (just happened with tonight's win) .500% team, he should be replaced....either this team isn't talented and needs to look to move players, or the do have the talent and are underperforming....I have my belief, but either way if you are not moving towards improvement/winning then what are you doing?

 

[Leonardo87]

I hope no one in this thread actually thinks Cronin is going to get fired during a 3 game winning streak so we can hire a new coach. I mean I like to think this board is a level above Twitter and Reddit in terms of the quality of discussions but that would seriously have me rethinking that

If Cronin is going to go, it won’t be till the off-season. I like to take credit for their winning streak since I made that thread.

 

[MMC]

3 games doesn't erase the previous 97 under Cronin IMO.....if a GM isn't looking to improve his (just happened with tonight's win) .500% team, he should be replaced....either this team isn't talented and needs to look to move players, or the do have the talent and are underperforming....I have my belief, but either way if you are not moving towards improvement/winning then what are you doing?

.500 seems more than fair for the talent on the team

 

[Static]

The "owners are cheap" discussions are old and tired. Every year they were competitive they spent all the money they could.

This is not true. The best team we had, in 2014-15, had an internal budget and was the reason we were not able to trade for vermette at the deadline. He went to the hawks and was an integral part in us losing.

Maybe the Samuelis will spend money when we are good again, but don't get it twisted. These are $15+ billionaires, who, if they wanted, could spend a lot more on their pet project if they so chose.

If they really wanted to, they didn't have to lay off 15% of their employees during COVID. We don't get to tell them what to do with their money, but we have the freedom to judge them for it.

 

[Masch78]

dumping Cronin for Monty would be huge for this franchise. but Verbeek is a trash GM who won't admit his mistake in hiring Cronin and the Samueli's are too cheap to pay for two coaches.

I am pretty much sure there is a budget and the team can act within it the way they want.

internal cap, not spending big bucks to go after proven GMs/coaches. i know everyone here wants to defend them, but i just don't see owners who give a f*** about this team. it's a pet project for them.

Do you think Anaheim would still have this franchise if it wasn't a pet project? And why do they invest that much in hockey in OC then?

 

[Tecumseh]

Carlyle was fired after a win so we could hire Bruce. Yeah, we’re on a 3 game win streak but if Verbeek thinks Monty will bring that much needed structure then you have to take a shot at getting him. Dallas was really the only quality team that we beat in the current streak. The Red Wings and Blackhawks are teams on our level.

 

[JAHV]

While I agree that it's very unlikely to happen, if Verbeek does think very highly of Montgomery, the next few days are likely the only chance he will ever have to hire him. Definitely a huge if, but I don't think it's impossible.

Someone would need to fire their coach to hire Montgomery in the next few days. The only team I could see doing that is the Penguins, and they've been a little bit better recently.

I think Montgomery is a better coach than Cronin, but I don't think Verbeek is going to make that move right now. The team seems to finally be playing decent hockey. I think Cronin gets the season unless something crazy happens.

 

[duckpuck]

Yeah i mean there's no way to know for sure, definitely wouldn't be great evidence at a trial. But i got the sense that Whitney was referring to how things were going at present. I guess we'll see but i really doubt Cronin has undergone that sort of transformation. Still doubt he goes anywhere anytime soon given how we've been playing better of late.

The Chicklets guys don't bring this up NOW based solely on exit interviews from 6 months ago. If they're not hearing locker room issues are still an issue, you don't bring this up. And since they said it was not from a current player, it likely is circulating among agents and other players. Could be a reason the ducks had a hard time attracting free agents last offseason.

And just to be clear, they could be wrong. But the only context makes sense is that they are still hearing these things from their sources.

agree about the samueli's, but if they have a "downfall" its that they just "stay out" of it......which should be a good thing (and is) but there is no acountability from media/fans for the management.....they never have to explain or answer anything.

I think this is the only fair criticism of the owners. Typically you want owners to hire good people and get out of the way - which they do. However, the Samuelis are patient to a fault and have been to passive in demanding on-ice results. Way too patient with coaches and GMs IMO. But that hasn't nothing to do with being "cheap" or internal cap, etc. which is an old canard that, intentionally or not, plays into some unfortunate tropes.

And to that point, the Samuelis have more money then they can ever spend, have been very philanthropic in hockey and outside (including paying hockey and arena staff during Covid, when most other teams did not), have invested heavily in the fan experience/Honda center upgrades, spent money on the Great Park training center, support local hockey programs, and seem like community oriented people. In that context, I think its wrong to suggest they won't spend money on the team/salary cap when they clearly did spend to the cap in recent years (when the ducks were winning).

 

[Lord Flashheart]

I would be surprised if Montgomery jumps straight into a new job with a rebuilding team.

I am pretty much sure there is a budget and the team can act within it the way they want.


Do you think Anaheim would still have this franchise if it wasn't a pet project? And why do they invest that much in hockey in OC then?

It's an investment, not a pet project. Forbes valued Ducks worth at over 900 million last year, while the annual loss is 10-15 million.

 

[Kalv]

Lot of discussions lately, not sure if this was posted yet, but:



So painful to listen to this given what we've seen throu this and last year. I am also not yet convinced Pat realises that Croni 's a problem. The right move should be try and sign a better coach with longterm mindset. I have little hope it will happen soon but you can always hope right

 

[Gliff]

It boggles the mind why a 3 game win streak would change anything.
Montgomery has proven he is a great coach and winner at every level.

Won the USHL championship 2 out of 3 years.
In the NCAA he won a national championship and another frozen 4 appearance in 5 years.
In the NHL he had a .675 win percentage and had made the playoffs every year except the one he was fire for an off ice issue.

This is a no brainer. It is a clear upgrade and firing a coach after a 3 game win streak wont hurt moral since they all hate him.

 

[Mr Rogers]

The Chicklets guys don't bring this up NOW based solely on exit interviews from 6 months ago. If they're not hearing locker room issues are still an issue, you don't bring this up. And since they said it was not from a current player, it likely is circulating among agents and other players. Could be a reason the ducks had a hard time attracting free agents last offseason.

And just to be clear, they could be wrong. But the only context makes sense is that they are still hearing these things from their sources.



I think this is the only fair criticism of the owners. Typically you want owners to hire good people and get out of the way - which they do. However, the Samuelis are patient to a fault and have been to passive in demanding on-ice results. Way too patient with coaches and GMs IMO. But that hasn't nothing to do with being "cheap" or internal cap, etc. which is an old canard that, intentionally or not, plays into some unfortunate tropes.

And to that point, the Samuelis have more money then they can ever spend, have been very philanthropic in hockey and outside (including paying hockey and arena staff during Covid, when most other teams did not), have invested heavily in the fan experience/Honda center upgrades, spent money on the Great Park training center, support local hockey programs, and seem like community oriented people. In that context, I think its wrong to suggest they won't spend money on the team/salary cap when they clearly did spend to the cap in recent years (when the ducks were winning).

Agreed. I think their intent was to illustrate how things are going at present. Now they could very well be wrong, misinterpreting, or exaggerating things. They've always seemed kinda gossipy to me.

 

[Kalv]

We need a coach that brings out the love for the game, and gives positive reinforcement. The tough love coach was the choice a couple of seasons ago when we had alot of vets not performing. These players are all so young. They need to be taught.

Sso much this. Our young guys seem to just not lovve the game as much anymore. It's what Lyubo hinted, it's what the Chiclets guys heard, it's what we see with our very eyes. I'm not convinced Pat sees the same. And yeah, no wonder players dont want to come here

 

[JAHV]

A three-game winning streak doesn't change anything. Cronin wasn't going to get fired before it and he's not going to get fired now, even for Montgomery, regardless of what we think of him. I just don't see him getting fired before the end of the season barring something catastrophic.

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

I'm certain we won't get a response either way, but if the Chiclets rumors are false or outdated then I wish Pat would at least acknowledge and shoot them down.

I'm also pretty certain we won't get Montgomery, which is a shame because I think he could be a great fit. His experience as a successful college coach seems especially apt considering how many of our most important players are college-aged or near it.