While it’s a very uninspiring, blah hire Lav is an established coach with tons of experience. He shouldn’t have a problem with the media, pressure, etc. which is always large part the decision making in this market. And of course - he’s got a Cup, albeit almost two decades ago.
This team needed a new voice - how different that voice is and how (and if) it is received remains to be seen.
I personally see this roster as very skilled, but also unique in that it has a lot of introspective, intelligent players.
I think there’s a fine line you have to walk with that type of core (of being tuned out like Gallant) and finding the right leader/voice/taskmaster to galvanize them is a challenge.
With that said I’m not sure how you easily quantify the affect a coach has on a roster. It’s similar to a goalie in the playoffs. You don’t need a great one to win but if you do you have a better chance. Considering what was available this summer, you weren’t getting a Cooper, Blake, Arbour or Bowman.
I will say that I’m not expecting much to change in all areas including how the youth are treated.
The hope is Drury and the scouting staff have done their homework and identified what this team needs both emotionally and from a systems standpoint.
But the fact that it took so long to make this official makes me pause on the confidence level of this management group.
Personally I think Drury wants to pull more strings with the roster, imparting more analytic and game decisions and Lav had to agree to it. Gallant never was that type and it’s the reason they butted heads and he lasted only two seasons.
As usual, with any move - We’ll see how it goes. Who the hell knows anymore
