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.
I know this isn't the time right now, but I was thinking about the Rangers D today. First, trading for Soucy was a disaster. The guy makes $3.25M next season, with a 12-team NTC. That is a terrible deal for a 3rd pair/depth dman. I don't know what Drury was thinking trading a 3rd round pick for this guy. Oh, wait I do, typical Drury fashion it was a desperate panic move at the DL. Very dumb and a waste of cap space. Second, Miller either needs to be on the 1st pair with Fox, if Drury/Sullivan think he can do it, or he needs to be traded. Schneider needs to be in a top 4 role, so if Miller cannot fill the role as Fox's partner, he needs to be traded, period. Third, Fox needs a legit 1st pair LD partner. If that is Miller and Drury/Sullivan believe, I disagree, but it's their call. If it is not Miller, they need to add a top pair partner for Fox.
