Tocchet is interesting because Vancouver declined his one-year option and instead offered him a long-term contract for more money, so the ball is in his court, and he may stay with the Canucks. If he does decide to leave, you'd think he'd be a good fit here as a tough, hard-nosed, take no BS coach. He also has a good relationship with, and got the best out of, Miller. I can see Tocchet being at the top of the list if he decides to move on. He is in the same mold as Torts and Sullivan, which is the type of coach this team needs. I don't want to hear about Drury NOW finally holding players he brought in and/or kept here accountable, it is hollow and too late for him after 4 years. As for the new coach, I do want him to hold players accountable. I don't care who it is, if they are lazy, are soft, or don't play D, or stay structured in their own zone, or won't shoot they need to be held accountable, and if they don't listen, they need to be benched. That's what I want in a coach.
I'll tell you this much, Zibanejad needs to be dealt with. Seeing his comments and reading some articles, it's clear he whined and sulked all season after the Goodrow and Trouba situations played out. No one has been more critical of Drury than I have been, and Drury certainly didn't handle either of those situations well, but Zibanejad can go F himself. He's an overpaid and soft mentally and on the ice. I think Drury's hands will be tied with Zibanejad for many reasons, but he needs to be sat down, the air needs to be cleared, and things need to get back on the right track. And if Zibanejad pulls this BS again next season, he should spend every single game in the press box. What he pulled this season, should never ever be allowed to happen again. And whether it is Sullivan or some other coach, they must hold Zibanejad accountable, period. All the players need to be held accountable, a change from the Rangers of recent years, but especially Zibanejad. I'd also make Trocheck the Captain. It will go a long way in the locker-room I'd guess.
