Toggle sidebar

If Mitchell retires, should we hire him as a D-Coach?

  • Xenforo Cloud will be upgrading us to version 2.3.5 on March 3rd at 12 AM GMT. This version has increased stability and fixes several bugs. We expect downtime for the duration of the update. The admin team will continue to work on existing issues, templates and upgrade all necessary available addons to minimize impact of this new version. Click Here for Updates
triplcrown

triplcrown

Registered User
Jul 23, 2006
1,001
73
SF Valley, SoCal
I say, yes.

Willie Mitchell has long displayed the qualities inherent in a true
shutdown defenseman from when he was a formidable opponent, to when he became a valuable member of The Kings' Cup-winning defense.
His positioning, his mobility, his anticipation, his strength and physicality, his "stickiness" to opposing offensive players, have all
been elements that have made him a top shutdown D-man in his prime.

IMO, a lot of that stuff can be taught, just as strength can be increased thru focused workouts. Physicality, I suppose, is more an attitude thing.
Even that can be encouraged and enhanced, IMO.

But positioning, anticipation, stickwork, and tactics can absolutely be taught, and Willie is a master at 'em. He knows all the tricks.

If we hired Willie as a teacher-coach for 2-3 years or so, he could work extensively with the likes of Mcnabb/Forbort/Gravel, and bring the best out in them.

As for 2014-15, if Willie kept himself in great shape, he might even be a feasible player-coach who might possibly
get in a few NHL games during the season, in case of injuries or slumps. If he looked good down the stretch,
he'd be another option/Black Ace-type player for the POs.

With his play declining a bit, Willie probably should retire after this season.

But staying with the Kings and contributing his knowledge as he gave his blood as a player, would be a good thing for the team and its young upcoming D-Men.
Click to read more...
 
i say heck yes, and start him off in one of the kings minor league affiliates, as you mention, he has a ton of knowledge, the only question is if he will stick around for another season, play in the Island for a year or two, or retire,
 
You have to be careful with assuming that he would be a good coach because he is a good player. It's difficult to communicate to players, as a coach, how good you were and how to make them as good as you were.
 
I doubt Mitchell retires after this season. The guy is still a very serviceable D-man.
 
GKJ said:
You have to be careful with assuming that he would be a good coach because he is a good player. It's difficult to communicate to players, as a coach, how good you were and how to make them as good as you were.
Click to expand...

Good point. But that Mitchell sure never seems at a loss for words. That's why he's of my favorites. :)
 
With all Stevens has done with the defensive corps, I think people are casting him away WAY too quickly.
 
triplcrown said:
IMO, a lot of that stuff can be taught, just as strength can be increased thru focused workouts. Physicality, I suppose, is more an attitude thing.
Even that can be encouraged and enhanced, IMO.

But positioning, anticipation, stickwork, and tactics can absolutely be taught, and Willie is a master at 'em. He knows all the tricks.
Click to expand...

If it could be taught so easily, then there'd be a plethora of great shutdown defensemen out there, but there isn't.

Mitchell in his prime was one of the best shutdown guys I've ever seen, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'd be a good coach.

A lot of what makes a defenseman great is composure and quick thinking. Good luck trying to teach that.
 
No.

146212467_slide.jpg
 
I would be all for it if Stevens got a head coaching job. If not, I could definitely see him being a consultant like Bernie was/is. But I think we have another year or two before Willie hangs them up.
 
They're not going to give any newcomer a middle position at first. They'll be happy to hire him but they'll make him an assistant first and have him earn his way up like any new front office personnel in the system.
 
Stoll is the guy I want to see coach for the Kings.

Stoll is the first King the prospects meet and learn from in the weight room (according to Lombardi). Stoll I think would make an excellent coach, teach face-offs.....YES PLEASE!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad

Top Bottom