Speculation: 2024-25 Coaching/Management/Ownership

[Leonardo87]

Nobody needs to worry - Cronin is coming back next year for sure haha. Torts will probably get another job before then or retire.

I thought about this, if we keep having games like last night down the stretch, with the kids progressing , and we are around .500 I don’t see why he would be fired.

Ducks need to fix their special teams , putting Carlsson and Terry on the PK was probably the best decision they made. Which had to be Cronin or was it Verbeek ? The PK went from sitting back in a box to actually challenging the shooter and being more aggressive to counter.

The PP needs to be fixed and it should be led with Mac taking FO’s , with Terry and Leo on the same unit. Terry can carry the puck into the zone the best, and with Leo’s vision and playmaking ability just need a point man who can shoot (LaCombe) and another sniper in the slot. Preferably Cutter.

Could you imagine if they had like another 10-15 PP goals this season? That is still a below average PP but it’s crazy how many close games they lost because of not being able to score on the PP.

 

[Mr Rogers]

I thought about this, if we keep having games like last night down the stretch, with the kids progressing , and we are around .500 I don’t see why he would be fired.

Ducks need to fix their special teams , putting Carlsson and Terry on the PK was probably the best decision they made. Which had to be Cronin or was it Verbeek ? The PK went from sitting back in a box to actually challenging the shooter and being more aggressive to counter.

The PP needs to be fixed and it should be led with Mac taking FO’s , with Terry and Leo on the same unit. Terry can carry the puck into the zone the best, and with Leo’s vision and playmaking ability just need a point man who can shoot (LaCombe) and another sniper in the slot. Preferably Cutter.

Could you imagine if they had like another 10-15 PP goals this season? That is still a below average PP but it’s crazy how many close games they lost because of not being able to score on the PP.

Maybe this seems a little optimistic but I think the Ducks will finish right about .500 and maybe a few points more.

Either way, I think Cronin is probably safe if we don’t win another game. Just hitting 70 points/30 wins is a big improvement. I don’t think Cronin is that good of a coach, but it would be odd if a GM fired a coach after such a numerical improvement, even if the offense especially has been pretty disappointing.

 

[Leonardo87]

Maybe this seems a little optimistic but I think the Ducks will finish right about .500 and maybe a few points more.

Hate to say this but I think they can win tomorrow given the team. But the Rangers are struggling. Tomorrow could go either way. If the Ducks play like they did last night tomorrow , I think they will win. But consistency is one of the biggest issues with this team, and why they are not in the WC hunt anymore.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Hate to say this but I think they can win tomorrow given the team. But the Rangers are struggling. Tomorrow could go either way. If the Ducks play like they did last night tomorrow , I think they will win. But consistency is one of the biggest issues with this team, and why they are not in the WC hunt anymore.

Tomorrow should be a good game. Hope the Ducks don’t play like they did last Sunday

 

[anezthes]

I prefer Cronin over Torts and that weirdo in New Jersey.

Also, how does an NHL club like Edmonton not have a player development department? Isn’t that basically Hockey Ops 101?

 

[Kalv]

Hate to say this but I think they can win tomorrow given the team. But the Rangers are struggling. Tomorrow could go either way. If the Ducks play like they did last night tomorrow , I think they will win. But consistency is one of the biggest issues with this team, and why they are not in the WC hunt anymore.

Trouba vs Rempe, who do you got?

 

[Leonardo87]

Trouba vs Rempe, who do you got?

Trouba easily. Rempe is big but he can’t fight lol

 

[70sSanO]

I would fear more for Zegras, but yeah, Torta would be an immediate upgrade over Cronin.

I agree. Cronin is only the 3rd most hated coach to play for. With Tortorella we get upgraded #1.

No thanks. Plus he has been a decade away from his last run to get the cup and 2 decades from winning one.

His recent performance has been abysmal.

John

 

[70sSanO]

My bigger concern is how many players have left or how many poor trades were made to placate Tortorella’s whims.

Someone will need to look at the bad trades under his watch to see how those transactions turned out.

I gotta think part of the reason we got Gauthier was Torts wanting him gone after Cutter wouldn’t sign.

John

 

[JAHV]

I thought about this, if we keep having games like last night down the stretch, with the kids progressing , and we are around .500 I don’t see why he would be fired.

Ducks need to fix their special teams , putting Carlsson and Terry on the PK was probably the best decision they made. Which had to be Cronin or was it Verbeek ? The PK went from sitting back in a box to actually challenging the shooter and being more aggressive to counter.

The PP needs to be fixed and it should be led with Mac taking FO’s , with Terry and Leo on the same unit. Terry can carry the puck into the zone the best, and with Leo’s vision and playmaking ability just need a point man who can shoot (LaCombe) and another sniper in the slot. Preferably Cutter.

Could you imagine if they had like another 10-15 PP goals this season? That is still a below average PP but it’s crazy how many close games they lost because of not being able to score on the PP.

Total speculation, but my guess is that Cronin has wanted to put his actually good defensive forwards on the penalty kill but Verbeek stopped him (especially Leo) because of workload issues. I have no inside information on this, but we know Cronin has played Leo on the PK before in brief spurts and we know Leo is already (probably) the best defensive forward the Ducks have. I'm glad to see him finally being used in a way that maximizes his skills.

 

[HanSolo]

Maybe this seems a little optimistic but I think the Ducks will finish right about .500 and maybe a few points more.

Either way, I think Cronin is probably safe if we don’t win another game. Just hitting 70 points/30 wins is a big improvement. I don’t think Cronin is that good of a coach, but it would be odd if a GM fired a coach after such a numerical improvement, even if the offense especially has been pretty disappointing.

But that's part of my ongoing concern. Last night showed this team has the talent along to pop off offensively when a defense they're facing is suboptimal. The problem is most defenses in the league aren't as depleted or substandard as Boston was last night. Part of what this team should be coaching instead of defense only is how to solve other defenses. When you have a coach that says "the offense will come naturally for the kids" because the emphasis is on defensive play without much improvement in that regard, and when the same coach says the solution to this team's powerplay woes is "just shoot the puck more" that's really concerning long term. Both in terms of how much more this team, as a whole, can improve to be a playoff team again and how much development time we're wasting by not focusing enough on the offensive side of the game.

An improvement in the standings is an improvement but it doesn't wipe away that for most of the season we were the lowest scoring team in the league while being one of the worst defenses in the league. I'm glad there's been some improvement but I'm still as concerned as ever that Cronin and the development staff we have in place aren't going to optimize these kids' growth and development and I don't agree with @Leonardo87 that the primary lingering problem spot is the powerplay. Like yeah the powerplay needs an overhaul but I don't think a few recent wins is a sign that Cronin is starting to figure it out.

 

[Mr Rogers]

But that's part of my ongoing concern. Last night showed this team has the talent along to pop off offensively when a defense they're facing is suboptimal. The problem is most defenses in the league aren't as depleted or substandard as Boston was last night. Part of what this team should be coaching instead of defense only is how to solve other defenses. When you have a coach that says "the offense will come naturally for the kids" because the emphasis is on defensive play without much improvement in that regard, and when the same coach says the solution to this team's powerplay woes is "just shoot the puck more" that's really concerning long term. Both in terms of how much more this team, as a whole, can improve to be a playoff team again and how much development time we're wasting by not focusing enough on the offensive side of the game.

An improvement in the standings is an improvement but it doesn't wipe away that for most of the season we were the lowest scoring team in the league while being one of the worst defenses in the league. I'm glad there's been some improvement but I'm still as concerned as ever that Cronin and the development staff we have in place aren't going to optimize these kids' growth and development and I don't agree with @Leonardo87 that the primary lingering problem spot is the powerplay. Like yeah the powerplay needs an overhaul but I don't think a few recent wins is a sign that Cronin is starting to figure it out.

I'd be fine with a new coach, and i don't necessarily think Cronin should be brought back ideally, i just think it's unlikely he's replaced given our numerical improvement in the standings. Even if a lot of advanced stats are still not very good, i still think GMs are often convinced by raw increases like we're seeing here.

 

[HanSolo]

I'd be fine a with a new coach, and i don't necessarily think Cronin should be brought back ideally, i just think it's unlikely he's replaced given our numerical improvement in the standings. Even if a lot of advanced stats are still not very good, i still think GMs are often convinced by raw increases like we're seeing here.

Totally fair and you're probably right. I just don't think that's what's best for this team.

 

[Leonardo87]

But that's part of my ongoing concern. Last night showed this team has the talent along to pop off offensively when a defense they're facing is suboptimal. The problem is most defenses in the league aren't as depleted or substandard as Boston was last night. Part of what this team should be coaching instead of defense only is how to solve other defenses. When you have a coach that says "the offense will come naturally for the kids" because the emphasis is on defensive play without much improvement in that regard, and when the same coach says the solution to this team's powerplay woes is "just shoot the puck more" that's really concerning long term. Both in terms of how much more this team, as a whole, can improve to be a playoff team again and how much development time we're wasting by not focusing enough on the offensive side of the game.

An improvement in the standings is an improvement but it doesn't wipe away that for most of the season we were the lowest scoring team in the league while being one of the worst defenses in the league. I'm glad there's been some improvement but I'm still as concerned as ever that Cronin and the development staff we have in place aren't going to optimize these kids' growth and development and I don't agree with @Leonardo87 that the primary lingering problem spot is the powerplay. Like yeah the powerplay needs an overhaul but I don't think a few recent wins is a sign that Cronin is starting to figure it out.

I still want them to move on from Cronin but I feel this progress they have made is going to keep him around. The PP is a major concern that they can’t get over 15% with all this talent.

Yeah there is also system issues at ES. These kids are surpassing and progressing in Cronin’s system because of their skill and talent but they are still being held back.

For one Terry should be playing with Mac or Leo. Not Strome.

One thing that irks me about this team , when they are going for a change why dump the puck in? Give it to the D and so the next line can go on a rush rather than having to defend.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I thought about this, if we keep having games like last night down the stretch, with the kids progressing , and we are around .500 I don’t see why he would be fired.

Ducks need to fix their special teams , putting Carlsson and Terry on the PK was probably the best decision they made. Which had to be Cronin or was it Verbeek ? The PK went from sitting back in a box to actually challenging the shooter and being more aggressive to counter.

The PP needs to be fixed and it should be led with Mac taking FO’s , with Terry and Leo on the same unit. Terry can carry the puck into the zone the best, and with Leo’s vision and playmaking ability just need a point man who can shoot (LaCombe) and another sniper in the slot. Preferably Cutter.

Could you imagine if they had like another 10-15 PP goals this season? That is still a below average PP but it’s crazy how many close games they lost because of not being able to score on the PP.

I think we're the best of the worst. Using last night as the norm feels dirty b/c that's a team missing it's top-3 d-men in McAvoy, Lindholm, and Zadorov. We should be dominating a team like that and we did. Boston only had 9 SOG after two periods!

In our last 10 games, we have only won four games and all to weak teams: NYI, Nash x2, and Boston. The NYR are also another weaker team that's in a downward spiral as they're 3-6-1 in their last 10.

I expect to beat the weak teams, but like you said, they're inconsistent as they have lost to the Blackhawks and Sabres.

The only consistency we have is our goaltenders have been amazing this year. They have stolen wins and points that we never could have been a part of it were not for the goalies standing on their heads.

If Verbeek can see the value of upgrading from Fowler to Trouba, then he 'should' see the value of upgrading from Cronin to someone better with an offensive-mind and better track record with youths. Like Machinehead shared yesterday, Mac is our best offensive weapon per 60, but Cronin is dead set on using him as a 3rd liner with 3rd liner minutes. Kinda like how Cronin used Colangelo as a grinding 4th liner in his first call-up to the NHL in his first 8 games. Put Colangelo with another offensive-minded talented player and that line produces, including himself.

 

[Leonardo87]

I think we're the best of the worst. Using last night as the norm feels dirty b/c that's a team missing it's top-3 d-men in McAvoy, Lindholm, and Zadorov. We should be dominating a team like that and we did. Boston only had 9 SOG after two periods!

In our last 10 games, we have only won four games and all to weak teams: NYI, Nash x2, and Boston. The NYR are also another weaker team that's in a downward spiral as they're 3-6-1 in their last 10.

I expect to beat the weak teams, but like you said, they're inconsistent as they have lost to the Blackhawks and Sabres.

The only consistency we have is our goaltenders have been amazing this year. They have stolen wins and points that we never could have been a part of it were not for the goalies standing on their heads.

If Verbeek can see the value of upgrading from Fowler to Trouba, then he 'should' see the value of upgrading from Cronin to someone better with an offensive-mind and better track record with youths. Like Machinehead shared yesterday, Mac is our best offensive weapon per 60, but Cronin is dead set on using him as a 3rd liner with 3rd liner minutes. Kinda like how Cronin used Colangelo as a grinding 4th liner in his first call-up to the NHL in his first 8 games. Put Colangelo with another offensive-minded talented player and that line produces, including himself.

Yeah well said. Goaltending has really been the only consistent thing for this team. It’s why they were in the WC hunt for so long but then it just came back down to earth.

We still don’t score enough goals and need to give up less shots.

These wins here and there and fun and nice but they overlook the issues with this team and system.

 

[Deuce22]

I like the inclusion of Terry and Leo on the PK, mainly because it gets them more ice time. Putting your most talented players on the ice (regardless of situation) instead of 4th line plugs makes the team better.

 

[Leonardo87]

I like the inclusion of Terry and Leo on the PK, mainly because it gets them more ice time. Putting your most talented players on the ice (regardless of situation) instead of 4th line plugs makes the team better.

I think it keeps their legs warmed up. Sitting on the bench for a long period of time is not good .

Our top defensive forwards are..

Killorn
Leo
Terry
Cutter

Gauthier was killing penalties in college. Why not throw him out there also.

 

[zegrassyknoll]

I'd be fine with a new coach, and i don't necessarily think Cronin should be brought back ideally, i just think it's unlikely he's replaced given our numerical improvement in the standings. Even if a lot of advanced stats are still not very good, i still think GMs are often convinced by raw increases like we're seeing here.

I'm not sure if coaches are really "convinced" by raw increases as much as they use them to justify making/not making decisions.

Like maybe Pat isn't happy with Cronin's performance but there isn't a coach on the market he wants to hire yet, so he points to the increase in standings to cover his ass. I think GMs do that all the time.

But conversely, Pat has greatly expanded our analytics department and I can't see a GM who believes that much in analytics also believing that Cronin is the reason for the team's improvement this year.

 

[Mr Rogers]

I'm not sure if coaches are really "convinced" by raw increases as much as they use them to justify making/not making decisions.

Like maybe Pat isn't happy with Cronin's performance but there isn't a coach on the market he wants to hire yet, so he points to the increase in standings to cover his ass. I think GMs do that all the time.

But conversely, Pat has greatly expanded our analytics department and I can't see a GM who believes that much in analytics also believing that Cronin is the reason for the team's improvement this year.

everything Pat has said thru the media this year has been I’d say pretty supportive of Cronin, so that’s despite all of the underwhelming analytics that are out there. And idk, maybe but maybe not. I’d hope that our GM isn’t so fickle that all he’s concerned about is having a way to spin why he’s keeping the coach rather than having true conviction.

I don’t think Pat would struggle to make tough decisions despite what a lot may think. He’s a hardass and a bit of an a-hole if you ask me.

 

[70sSanO]

I think Pat needs to replace Cronin, but I agree he doesn’t see anyone out there at the moment.

Montgomery was probably the best bet, but 5mx5 in a place he wanted to be wasn’t happening.

John

 

[2faded]

I still want them to move on from Cronin but I feel this progress they have made is going to keep him around. The PP is a major concern that they can’t get over 15% with all this talent.

Yeah there is also system issues at ES. These kids are surpassing and progressing in Cronin’s system because of their skill and talent but they are still being held back.

For one Terry should be playing with Mac or Leo. Not Strome.

One thing that irks me about this team , when they are going for a change why dump the puck in? Give it to the D and so the next line can go on a rush rather than having to defend.

I think for this reason it's likely he stays. I think the only hope is the exit interviews. If the players express they want him gone, that plus the special teams may be enough to let him go.

 

[Anaheim4ever]

No one should hire Torts so they can now make a Hockey Sitcom modeled after Seinfeld/Cheers starring Torts, Boudreau, Bryzgalov, etc. Lots of F bombs.

 

[zegrassyknoll]

everything Pat has said thru the media this year has been I’d say pretty supportive of Cronin, so that’s despite all of the underwhelming analytics that are out there. And idk, maybe but maybe not. I’d hope that our GM isn’t so fickle that all he’s concerned about is having a way to spin why he’s keeping the coach rather than having true conviction.

I don’t think Pat would struggle to make tough decisions despite what a lot may think. He’s a hardass and a bit of an a-hole if you ask me.

Right but my point is that if there is no available coach that he is interested in, it makes sense to maintain the status quo.

It's like not quitting your job without having a replacement lined up... It would create a pretty terrible environment if Verbeek came out and said Cronin wasn't doing a good job but also couldn't replace him because there are no good replacements.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Right but my point is that if there is no available coach that he is interested in, it makes sense to maintain the status quo.

It's like not quitting your job without having a replacement lined up... It would create a pretty terrible environment if Verbeek came out and said Cronin wasn't doing a good job but also couldn't replace him because there are no good replacements.

Agree to disagree i guess. Neither of us can actually prove we're right, but i think Pat is genuinely pretty satisfied with Cronin. We haven't heard anything that'd suggest Pat is looking for a replacement (from other sources, not Pat's mouth), he has in fact passed up an opportunity or two where he could've hired somebody or at least shown interest in a coach mid-season but again no evidence that that was even on his radar.