Edmonton Oilers not to extend Tom Renney's contract, part ways -NHL Update
Joining a long list of National Hockey League (NHL) franchises that have let go of their coaches recently, the Edmonton Oilers did not extend head coach, Tom Renney’s contract and parted ways with the veteran on Thursday, May 17, 2012.
Edmonton Oilers general manager, Steve Tambellini, was the one to make the announcement about letting go of their 10th head coach in franchise history.
“We spoke at the year-end that there were some positive things that have happened with the hockey club in a lot of different aspects statistically,” said GM Steve Tambellini. “But we want to prepare us going into a phase here where we need to get to a different
level of compete — a level of competing for playoff spots.”
Rumours arose in the past few days when local newspapers reported that the club would be seeing a change in coaching staff after failing to make the postseason for more than two seasons now.
As of yet, no replacement has been announced, but speculations are that former head coach of Calgary Flames, Brent Sutter, who was also let go by his club earlier this year for yet another disappointing season.
"As far as guys who are candidates out there, there's going to be a lot of speculation," Tambellini added. "Brent, he's a good coach, there's no question about that, but let us go through the process and just get it right."
Despite having a number of top draft picks for the past two years and acquiring some top notch players, Edmonton Oilers have failed to make a significant impact in the major league and continue to end off as one of the lowest ranked teams in the Western
Conference.
Players like Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, top draft picks of the 2010 and 2011 entry drafts respectively, should have taken over the league with the amount of talent they have but it should ultimately be blamed on the coaching not to be able to lead
the team.
It will be interesting to see who will replace the coaching position for the Edmonton Oilers and if it really is Brent Sutter to come in and take over the young and talented club.
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