Rick Toccket to be Barry Melrose's asst. coach in Tampa Bay???

Question

Indeed Toccket did serve his suspension!!

Answer 1

Trombass..............be careful what you wish for..............Holland and Maguire spoke at length after the end of the draft with regards to Detroit's vacant coaching position.

Answer 2

Yes, that's pretty much set in stone. Tocchet and Walz will assist Barry Melrose.

1. I don't believe so. Until we see this coaching posse in action, I  won't write them off as a good move or bad move.

2. No idea.

HOWLER - Well, I'm just tired of people saying "OH MY GOD, MELROSE? I hate the owners! What are theyd doing?"

Give the guy a chance.

HOWLER - If Tocchet's truly sorry for his actions, then I hold no grudge against him. He served his suspension.

Answer 3

1st Tocchet and possibly Emery? there would be quite an increase in Drug Trafficking and illegal gambling in the Tampa area.

Answer 4

1. No.  As a matter of fact, I think they should also go after Pierre McGuire for the other assistant.

2. Who cares (outside of Arizona)?

Added: Anything to get him off NBC.

Answer 5

1. I don't see how an assistant pick up could be considered a "dumb" move, people don't praise a team for their assistants like Offensive or Defensive Coordinators in football.  Tortorella was fired but no one blames his staff...the point is that the only dumb move would have to be Melrose (IF that was the case).  I don't think Melrose is a dumb move, I believe he was the best guy available.  He knows hockey, he's proven he can make it to the cup finals, he's played the game and he's sat back and analyzed every critical game for 12 years....an added bonus is that he has always been fond of TBL and has a great respect/rapor with Vinny and Marty.  As for Toccket's off ice issue, I believe removing yourself from where the situation occurred and starting new is the best first step you can take...this will be a non-factor in his ability to be a productive force for TB

2. No clue, I don't know the market of coaches available all that well.  However, do you think TBL assistant Sullivan might be a candidate?

On another note, with this offseason going so well for Tampa I expect them to easily bounce back from a season filled with injuries and go from bottom feeder to playoff contender in one year just like the Flyers did from last year to this year.

And someone brought up Emery....I don't think they will touch Emery.  Kolzig is a possibility and there are still multiple rumors about Huet.  Regardless who it is, they will pull in a #1 goalie with Smith and Ramo learning and backing him up.  Then possibly get back Prospal and pick up 2 d-men in free agency....look out for Tampa.  I think I'll do my best to get season tickets this year LOL

EDIT:  I actually just looked into it and it's no longer a possibility, Prospal is back with a new 4 year 3.5 M contract...Go Lightning

Answer 6

1) This would be a great move on the part of the Tampa management.  To my understanding, Tocchet was considered one of the best assistant coaches in the league.  Had he not gotten himself into the legal issues he had, he may have been considered for one of the head coaching positions that had opened up this season.  

The bookmaking issue is what it is.  He made a mistake, he accepted his punishment like a man and he will move on.  He is a very intelligent person, he will not make another mistake like that again.  He still takes some heat for that but it is usually from people who do not know much about the man.  Gretzky gave Tocchet a great deal of credit for helping him make the transition into coaching.

2) I have no idea who would replace him.  Gretzky has a hockey connection or two around the league.  I am sure he can tap one of those resources and find a suitable replacement.

TBL: Mullet Bay should be Tampa's new nickname.