
1. Good coaching options on open market
Rarely does the NHL having such a fruitful open market for head coaches than right now. Not only are there some potent options, but very experienced coaches as well. Former Penguins and Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma sticks out as someone who could jolt the Canes.
A few other good options include journeyman and former Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley, skills coach Adam Oates, Rangers assistant Lindy Ruff, current Kings head coach Darryl Sutter, and Montreal Canadiens scout Michel Therrien.
The prospect of a veteran coach who’s got a long track record of NHL success like Hartley, Ruff, Sutter, or Therrien is very appealing. Moreover, the run that Bylsma made with the Penguins in 2009 to win the Stanley Cup is a potent idea as well.
Yet, possibly the best option for the Canes to explore is going with an alumni and assistant and development coach Rod Brind’Amour. That would put Brind’Amour with general manager Ron Francis as a noticeable and marketable combination. Going with a more experienced option would be a safer move, though. The last two tries for the Canes were not big names when they were hired. A different type of hire would be ideal now.