You could offer a 3 year extension, and he could say no. I think that's the gist of the discussion right now. Does Maurice want to commit here, or see what free agency brings and possibly move on? Maybe more money, fresh challenges, some of both.
@Spock could probably give us exact odds
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but I think the chances of him leaving are greater than staying just because of the Ron Francis connection. And the fact that Seattle air doesn't make your face hurt.
I think there's more than the Francis connection -
How do you think he is perceived by the NHL's who's who right now?
I'd go out on a limb and say he's considered a top tier coach at this point - especially after this season and what he's been able to do.
I get that non-MO fans will jump in and claim most of the success was based on other factors - but I don't think many of the fore mentioned would necessarily agree.
Those that don't like him, will give him very little credit - those that do, will give him a lot of it.
Out side of this board, I don't hear a lot from the prior group - at least not recently and that's what most will look at when measuring this guy.
Unless you really have a dislike for this coach, why would anyone dwell on his record, failures or success, from 10 yrs go? Or his win/loss record over his career? Is that stuff worth rehashing at this point? What does any of it have to do with what's happening right now?
I wouldn't be surprised to see this guy on a lot of short lists right now.
On your last point, I just finished pushing a little snow off the driveway and it's true - my face hurts