What about Rick Wilson and Adam Oates?

by John Fontana on Jun 8, 2010 10:13 AM EDT in Lightning Team News

One thing that has not been clear since the dismissal of Rick Tocchet in April, is what will happen to associate coach Rick Wilson and assistant coach Adam Oates? Wilson, who was brought in specifically to improve the defensive game for the Lightning, and Oates, hired as a power play specialist "as a favor" for Rick Tocchet, were both listed as part of the coaching staff with the Lightning even after Tocchet was given the heave-ho.

While we could analyze the success of either coach at their job (Oates power play shined, while Wilson's defense shuddered), the question that should be raised with the hiring of Boucher is what will happen with these guys?

Reports about Boucher have indicated that his assistant coaching staff from the Hamilton Bulldogs, Martin Raymond and Daniel Lacroix, will journey with him to Tampa and be part of Boucher's coaching staff here.

Oates, whose system (and the antics of one Steven Stamkos) whose system converted 19.3% of Power Play opportunities in 2009-10 (eighth in the NHL), hasn't been attached to other coaching opportunities in spite of successes. Likewise, Rick Wilson's name has not be mentioned as a potential with another club.

Whatever the case, it's probably safe to guess both will be allowed to explore opportunities outside of Tampa (though it would be preferable to keep the likes of Oates within the organization). Who in the NHL could have interste in either of them, I don't know. I'll leave that up for reader speculation.

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This was my question when I posted about the firing of Lawton and Tocchet.

And it would make sense that the new coach bring in his own staff that he knows well. The coach is going to have his hands full trying to learn the players and get to know them, no sense in him having to mesh with a new coaching staff too. Also it eliminates any leftover “resentment” about the new hire coming in. (not that I’m saying that would be the case, just that it eliminates the possibility).

Whatever they do, best of luck to Adam Oates and Rick Wilson. Wonder if they will keep Cap Raeder as the goalie coach, as it is only mentioned than Boucher would be bringing his 2 assistant coaches. And the rest of the “behind the scenes” staff (video, training and equipment)? Just wonder if it will be a total clean sweep or if there will be some leftover from the previous regime.

I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...

by Tina Robinson on Jun 8, 2010 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs