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.
