There were two significant coaching moves made while I was out talking about the Memorial Cup and a team rebranding in the QMJHL. First, let's address the picture above, where the New York Rangers are looking for a new coach after giving John Tortorella his walking papers. In five seasons, he led the team to four playoffs appearances, with a Conference Finals appearance in 2012. However, the team played considerably less than what they were capable of in this year's playoffs, which was exposed in a five game ouster by the Bruins. For all of the media bytes and abrasive behavior, the on-ice product is where it all counts, and not getting the best out of the likes of Rick Nash and Brad Richards is not a recipe for success. The Rangers' job will obviously be an attractive job, as it is in a big market and a team with high visibility in the NHL, but will also come with risks, as the media pressure will be immense.
The other coaching change officially happened on Tuesday, as the Colorado Avalanche named Patrick Roy coach. He will also assume the role of Vice President of Hockey Operations, which may sound like a lot, but he will have a partner in Joe Sakic, who was recently promoted to Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. Roy had been a head coach of the Quebec Remparts since 2005, and is a co-owner of the team. His time as coach isn't without controversy, as there had been a few incidents in which either he or his two sons, Jonathan and Frederick, found trouble with either the league or the law for on-ice transgressions. As head coach of the Avs, Roy will provide a good fit, as the team is young and has the first overall pick in this year's draft, which is likely Seth Jones, as the blue line is the team's most glaring need.
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