Confirmed with Link: Ducks fire Greg Cronin

[JAHV]

I think this is the right call, but didn't expect it. I think Verbeek rightly analyzed that the 21-point improvement was not what it seemed. I'm also assuming the exit interviews were not kind to Cronin.

I hope Cronin finds another job where he can succeed, maybe back in the AHL or as an assistant. But NHL head coach seems above his level.

I hope the next hire comes quickly.

 

[Terry Yake]

another name to keep an eye on

 

[ohcomeonref]

I wasn't buying the narrative of "Verbeek will see the 20 point improvement and keep Cronin". Verbeek is an analytics guy, he can see the putrid underlying numbers, he's not a moron.

 

[KelVarnsen]

News big enough for a Pennaduck appearance! I wonder if Sojourn will crawl out from under his log...

Sojourn is a blast from the past name! Where did that guy go????

 

[ohcomeonref]

Sojourn is a blast from the past name! Where did that guy go????

 

[cheesymc]

There’s risk that the next coach is just as bad. Verbeek must have someone or a few option in mind, right? I’m curious to know his current short list. I just hope it’s someone who connects with the players and plays to their strengths, and opens up some creativity.

 

[Hey234]

I like that this removes some theories that have been around for awhile.

Theory #1: Owners won't pay for two coaches
Theory #2: Verbeek supports the coaching staff decisions
Theory #3: Verbeek won't fire Cronin because he hired him, and it will reflect badly on his job
Theory #4: The jump in points in the standings proves Cronin deserves to stay

It was stated by Friedman awhile ago that Verbeek considered firing Cronin last year and gave him another shot. I respect that Verbeek gave someone another opportunity to prove themselves but then also has the strength to say it wasn't enough. This is a good step for the organization and a confidence booster for me in the GM leading this team.

 

[Goose of Reason]

another name to keep an eye on

What a day for @Leonardo87

 

[Hey234]

another name to keep an eye on

Please no. This is not the answer. Keep him away

 

[Terry Yake]

There’s risk that the next coach is just as bad. Verbeek must have someone or a few option in mind, right? I’m curious to know his current short list. I just hope it’s someone who connects with the players and plays to their strengths, and opens up some creativity.

it'd be incredibly hard to outsuck cronin

 

[AngelDuck]

Woodcroft is someone to keep an eye on I would say too.

 

[Mr Rogers]

I wasn't buying the narrative of "Verbeek will see the 20 point improvement and keep Cronin". Verbeek is an analytics guy, he can see the putrid underlying numbers, he's not a moron.

At the very least he wasn’t fooled by the goalies and saw we were trash in most games.

I think offense is a big deal for Verbeek, especially as a former forward and goal scorer himself. The Ducks for years had been run by defensive-minded coaches (even Cronin) and general managers. Verbeek is cut from a different cloth from them, he wants to score goals as evidenced by his 250 comment, and that just was never gonna happen with Cronin.

I agree with everyone else that we’re gonna be a player in FA and trades and especially for FA no skilled forward is gonna want to play for Cronin. After 2 years the word is out around the league about how he’s got not clue how to run an offensive system (or defense for that matter) and that he’s just generally a grating person to play for.

 

[la patineuse]

I'm shocked that Verbeek actually did this. Shocked and relieved. Maybe there was just too much statistical evidence and feedback from the players for Verbeek to keep Cronin on for another year. And it couldn't just be the fans constantly banging our heads against the wall because of Cronin's systems and how he utilized the players on ice. Or maybe Verbeek talked to Cronin about what went wrong this year and Cronin told him, "I don't know," one too many times.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Woodcroft is someone to keep an eye on I would say too.

Yep I think he’d be really good.

 

[Deuce22]

I guess Verbeek isn't the idiot that some here think. I hope he finds a coach that better fits the personnel that is on his roster.

 

[Leonardo87]

What a day for @Leonardo87

What would make it even crazier if the Ducks hire Laviolette lol

For the record the issues with the Rangers goes beyond the coaching.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Verbeek has done a great job imo as GM outside of the Cronin hire but good move to not let it go on for another year.

He’s a much more intriguing GM than Murray ever was, he’s a big thinker imo.

 

[la patineuse]

it'd be incredibly hard to outsuck cronin

That's what we thought about Eakins.

 

[Big Fat Rebound]

Still trying to fully process it. Can’t believe Verbeek (rightfully) actually did it.

 

[HanSolo]

That's what we thought about Eakins.

Lol but realistically Cronin didn't have the most glowing resume.

 

[TheStuntman]

What a day for @Leonardo87

The curse/blessing of Leonardo87? Anyways as others have stated complete surprise. Is PV a hfboards lurker?

 

[duckaroosky]

View attachment 1017650

 

[CrazyDuck4u]

Bring Gerrard Gallant!! Stop playing games

 

[MMC]

Bring Gerrard Gallant!! Stop playing games

No

 

[Big Fat Rebound]

The curse/blessing of Leonardo87? Anyways as others have stated complete surprise. Is PV a hfboards lurker?

Honestly, he could have gone here…Twitter…Reddit…Facebook…could have stayed in the building and hung around with season ticket holders. This is the most unified Ducks’ fans of all stripes have been on any issue in a long time