Sutter, on assistant-coach search

I got a chance to catch up with Darryl Sutter this morning — he had been working with hay on the farm earlier — and he gave an update on his search to hire a new assistant coach to replace Jamie Kompon…

SUTTER: “What I’ve done is, I’ve had guys fly in and spend a day at the farm with me, and guys that I know. I was looking for very specific things. I prefer guys with coaching experience. I prefer a guy that knows the Western Conference. I want a guy that’s hands-on. I want a guy that’s a good communicator. I want a guy that’s preferably not over-the-hill. So, it has tightened up a lot, because quite honestly you have a lot of people that are interested in it, but to me, it’s like I tell them, I want the best free agent out there. It was no slight on Jamie or nothing. I just wanted a different type of coach. With a young team, you need to be really hands-on, and it’s got to come from more than just one or two guys. It’s got to come from everybody. That’s what I’m looking for. We’ve got it narrowed down. It’s just a matter of really cleaning it up, because you want to be sure.

“That’s what a head coach should do, is make sure of his own staff. It’s not about the head coach. It has to be about the whole staff, and the style that you want to play and making sure that you can communicate that. It’s tough to come down to one guy, because there are probably a lot of qualified guys, but once I get it to (a short list), there are specific areas that I know guys can be really good at, and those areas, to me, are critical. I’d prefer a (former) head coach. I’d prefer one from the Western Conference. I’d prefer guys that are young. I’d prefer guys that are really hands-on guys. And, quite honestly, I’d prefer if they were a better coach than me. One thing I’ve always really enjoyed is having really good staffs. Not just from a coaching standpoint but from a personal standpoint too, because they’re basically the guys you spend 18 hours a day with, for 10 months.’’

Incidentally, congratulations to Scott Pellerin, assistant coach for the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs, who has been named head coach of the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the affiliate of the New York Islanders.

180 Comments

  1. Andros says:

    Love it.

    Have potential assistants muck a stable or two, probably milk a goat. Shows character and defines what is needed most.

    LOL! I can’t love Sutter enough.

    [Reply]

    kyle Reply:

    @Andros,

    DS is just a riot, lovin it!!! Good stuff all the way…

    [Reply]

    rumpa #19 Reply:

    @Andros, A hay bale tossing contest should settle it.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @rumpa #19, turtleman style! LOL

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @rumpa #19,
    Ride his meanest bull. Longest on wins the job.

    [Reply]

    BlueStang Reply:

    @rumpa #19, Good strength training camp too, hay bale throwing!

    [Reply]

    Sean Reply:

    @Andros,
    Do any of you think he would hire his brother, who was let go by Calgary? He hired him to be the head coach when he was GM there. Brother was a head coach in the Western Conference, although I don’t think he fits the ‘young’ category.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Sean, and by hiring him after saying that he would like a coach that was a better coach than himself, he would instantly be smoothing over whatever rift there may have been…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Sean,
    If you’re DS he does. Brent is 4 years his junior.

    [Reply]

    NMKingsFan Reply:

    @Sean, My thoughts exactly. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hires Brent. All in the Family. After winning the Stanley Cup, who can question any of his moves.

    [Reply]

    fuzzerson Reply:

    @Andros, bite your tongue!!! dont you know that cattle and goats/sheep dont mix.

    [Reply]

  2. kyle says:

    I love the comment: “And, quite honestly, I’d prefer if they were a better coach than me.” priceless <3

    In Dean and Darryl we trust!

    [Reply]

  3. backofthenet says:

    I love that he knows he has always had a “good Staff.” Confidence is important.

    [Reply]

  4. Deirdre says:

    Sutter has the right approach and hasn’t made many mistakes yet. He knows the pulse of this team and the fans saw first hand how his own ‘hands on’ approach worked well. I like that idea, and it looks like he’s really trying to find the right fit.
    And for the incoming coach, he’ll have a lot of talent to work with and hoepfully get to know the players in camp and preseason and put together a solid PP plan.

    [Reply]

  5. Werdout says:

    Based on those specifications, who’s out there that fits the bill?

    [Reply]

    BringBackButchGoring Reply:

    @Werdout, Certainly not Bernie. Not that I thought he was qualified in the first place, but he really doesn’t fit any of the requirements.

    [Reply]

    SlimNNunn Reply:

    @Werdout, Granato?

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @SlimNNunn, An excellent choice, especially for our style of play. But he fails the “I’d prefer a better coach than me” test.

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @PRMan, Also, the fact that he’s a former King.

    Stuart Reply:

    @PRMan, I was thinking Tony while I read, but you make an interesting point about where he falls short.

    TJM Reply:

    @SlimNNunn, I would love it if it were Tony Granato or Mike Krushelnyski. Not saying they’re necessarily the best candidates, but I have a ton of love for both.

    [Reply]

    rumpa #19 Reply:

    @Werdout, Wish we could steal Teddy Nolan or Dale Hunter , they are on the same page as DS .

    [Reply]

    TJM Reply:

    @rumpa #19, Ted Nolan would be amazing too. I actually wanted him to come coach the Kings several times after they’d let their current coach go. I think the world of that one.

    [Reply]

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @Werdout,

    Andy Murray

    [Reply]

    CUP4LA Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro, That’s what I was thinking.

    [Reply]

    Jon G Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro, I was thinking the same thing.

    [Reply]

    DiggerRocket Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro, I don’t think Sutter is too high on passing out written assignments to the players… so Murray has to be out.

    [Reply]

    Lets do it again Reply:

    @DiggerRocket, Melrose ha ha ha .

  6. Et219 says:

    Whatever happens, don’t let go of Bernie. He made a huge impact on the morale and overall approach to the second half of the season. Even if only by joking around with the guys and getting them to shoot high and go five hole rather than try to stuff it desperately.

    [Reply]

    joan fondell Reply:

    @Et219, Why not Bernie Nichols….is he not young enough? What about a guy like Tocchet? Granato? I like Tony…but he was usually on the PK, not the PP.

    [Reply]

    sd4kings Reply:

    @joan fondell,
    My thoughts exactly. Bernie was great with the team this year and certainly knows the western conference. I think it is really big of him to work with a Lombardi-influenced team again after what he did to Bernie in San Jose. Real character, Bernie, good on ya.

    [Reply]

  7. kingsofsb says:

    That is that best approach I have ever heard of for hiring someone!

    Man I love this guy!

    [Reply]

  8. pautna says:

    I miss his daily news conferences from the playoffs. I was addicted to those!

    [Reply]

  9. LDC7hockeyfan says:

    What about Bernie Nichols?

    [Reply]

    rumpa #19 Reply:

    @LDC7hockeyfan, Not a head coach to start with.

    [Reply]

    BringBackButchGoring Reply:

    @rumpa #19, Tom Renney would have been a great choice and fits the bill on all the things DS wants. Unfortunately he was hired by Detroit last week.

    [Reply]

    TheAcaciaStrain Reply:

    @BringBackButchGoring, that guy trash talked us after a loss saying that we didn’t deserve to win and the league just wants “Hollywood in the playoffs”. he got fined $10k why would we want that garbage on our team?

    kyle Reply:

    @BringBackButchGoring,

    except Western Conference, which I too find really important, he will get the right guy, now that I think of maybe Mark is not that far out after all, wonder how much they’re paying him in TSN??

    rumpa #19 Reply:

    @BringBackButchGoring, Better yet Larry”Rumpa” Robinson. SJ is going to be much better.

    BringBackButchGoring Reply:

    @Accasia, That’s a reason for not hiring one of the best young candidates out there? We are so thin-skinned that we overlook a serious candidate because of that?

    Rich Hammond Reply:

    Nicholls said from the beginning that he’s not interested in being a traditional assistant coach. He’s not geared toward video work, drawing plays on whiteboards, etc.

    [Reply]

    TheAcaciaStrain Reply:

    @LDC7hockeyfan, You just got Hammond’d

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @TheAcaciaStrain,

    The Hamminator has struck!

    [Reply]

  10. kyle says:

    Its not Bernie and doesn’t need to be either, he’ll be around in a role that he’s comfortable with, but who would it be, former head coach says a lot in Western Conference I read it,

    LOL, its Mark Crawford ;)

    [Reply]

    rumpa #19 Reply:

    @kyle, It hearts my ears to think about, and i think he signed in europe.

    [Reply]

    kyle Reply:

    @rumpa #19, hahahahah, mine too and badly, hopefully hated him in Colorado, hated him even more with us…

    [Reply]

    kyle Reply:

    @kyle, hopefully signed in Europe, should be able to edit own comments..

    Duncanz Reply:

    @kyle, You just did. Wish granted.

  11. john says:

    Tommy Lasorda has accepted the position

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @john, Funny. He fits most of the bill…

    [Reply]

    Mark Reply:

    @john, Nope! Said it needs to be a young guy. Is nhl exempt from discrimination laws?

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Mark, I was thinking the same exact thing. In a way I think they are because if I said that out loud I could kiss a nice chunk of cash good bye. I disagree with the laws though. A person should hire what the picture in their mind. It’s their money after all. The problem is when they say it.

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @john, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajB6UvONVWk

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @john, But will he fit behind the bench?

    [Reply]

  12. Michael J. says:

    Gotta love Sutter leveraging the assistant position to get a free day of farm labor from five or six different guys.

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @Michael J., It’s good for their character…

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @Michael J., haha, you want an interview, bring some work gloves, we’ll see how bad you want this gig.

    [Reply]

  13. FaceWash says:

    Brent? hmmmmmmm

    [Reply]

    Crown Royal Reply:

    @FaceWash,

    When Kompon got axed the first guy I thought of was Brian. As he is older than Daryl he might be “over the hill” and he was more of an Eastern Conference guy so I doubt it’s Brian.

    [Reply]

    rumpa #19 Reply:

    @FaceWash, Now your talking. A+

    [Reply]

    BringBackButchGoring Reply:

    @FaceWash, Wouldn’t be a bad choice and fits most of DS’s criteria. I think there may have been some awkwardness with Calgary that probably hasn’t healed yet though.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @FaceWash,
    That would be BS..

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Barns usually contain large quantities of BS.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DessertKing,
    Name recognition has got to count for something!

  14. Sebastian says:

    I dont know that ive ever seen so many words in a quote from Darryl Sutter. Granted, he did restate most things, but wow, got a lot of him Rich. Good stuff.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Sebastian, he was probably knee deep in the cow [stuff] where he’s most comfortable! Heard he’ll talk an ear off from that spot.

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Stuart,

    Not an ear. The other end. :D

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Sebastian, That’s exactly what I first thought.

    [Reply]

  15. DesertKing says:

    Well, we learned 4 things from that interview:

    1. DS doesn’t lack confidence in his position

    2. Jon Stevens is the perfect fit with DS

    3. JK couldn’t translate the “video world” to the “people world”

    4. I ain’t getting the job

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @DesertKing, I laughed. ;)

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    If you check the compensation list, nowhere does it state nachos.

    Hell, it doesn’t even list cheese. That leaves you out…….. :D

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Kingsfanone,

    Sure, now you are just piling on…… :)

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @DesertKing, LOL

    [Reply]

  16. petemagoop says:

    Ted Nolan

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @petemagoop,
    Me too, Beavis!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Meaning a “yay” vote, btw.

    [Reply]

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @petemagoop,

    It might be a conspiracy from NHL GMs, but Nolan is believed to have quite the ego. This is a guy who was fired after winning the Jack Adams because he royally pissed off his GM with some comments. Not the kind of clashing you’d want.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro, Ego has zero to do with it.

    [Reply]

    Donald_S Reply:

    @petemagoop,

    I really like Ted. It’s too bad he’s not been able to latch on in the NHL somewhere. But he’s also an Eastern guy.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @petemagoop,

    that’s whom i was gonna post about….

    i’m not sure if he’d want to leave coaching the latvian national team….but his son might have some sway IF ds has considered him….

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @variable,

    but he’s an eastern conference-type of coach….so, it’s probably doubtful….

    [Reply]

  17. dMan says:

    Lombardi’s management style is – unfortunately – very rare in today’s business world. I wasn’t sure whether Sutter followed that style, but apparently he does.

    It’s a mature management style that sets short, medium and long-term goals and plans accordingly instead of the very short-term minded chaotic style so prevalent today. It balances quality and cost instead of only aiming for the bottom-line. It encourages teamwork, inclusion and mentoring instead of political games, fear and egocentric divisiveness. It fosters a dynamic healthy work environment for all personnel.

    When Lombardi presented his plan several years ago, I knew then he could be successful. My greatest concern was not him, or his plan – it was – and has proven to be – a sound plan 9though not without its glitches – but to his credit, he was able to re-focus quickly and adjust). My concern was whether ownership would allow him to see his plan through and to their credit, they have. This speaks volumes.

    The Kings have not only won the Cup, but more importantly Lombardi has built the foundation for a dynasty and built a winning culture throughout the organization to support it – no small feat.

    [Reply]

    BringBackButchGoring Reply:

    @dMan, DL? Is that you?

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @BringBackButchGoring,

    Are you kidding??? Way too short; DL scribbles more words on a Post-it.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Michael J.,

    I think I saw DL writing novels on pieces of rice at Knott’s Berry Fram a couple of weeks ago.

    Stuart Reply:

    @dMan, how sad would it have been if 3D had mucked it all up by holding out and creating the total opposite of the qualities you touched on??? I mean, think about his comments about JQ and the money he settled on… I’m glad we only have 1 primadonna on the roster! for now…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Stuart,
    At that time we hadn’t won a Cup tho’.
    The culture is different from a year ago.
    Even 3D was impressed JQ took “a couple of dollars less” than him to re-sign!

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Duncanz, it might have left an impression, but I dought he was “impressed”…

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Stuart, That would be the definition of “impressed” wouldn’t it? 8)

    Stuart Reply:

    @Duncanz, in a literal sense, yes. But impressed usually carries a poitive connotation with it. I don’t think this was the case with 3D. I can see it more like “wow, he should’ve gotten all he could’ve gotten…I should’ve.”

    Stuart Reply:

    @Duncanz, and on looking it up, it is not the definition. 8p

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Stuart,
    An impression is the procedure they make to insert your name on the Cup.
    That’s all he needs.
    South Bay and beyond, lock up yer daughters!

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @dMan,

    More than anything, I hope DL learned about his own shortcomings. It was clear as day for many of us that TM needed to go long before he did but it seemed DL’s loyalty prevented him from making the change earlier. That mistake could have easily cost him his job and destroyed his entire plan.

    That being said, it all worked out PERFECTLY, which I’m sure was as much a surprise to him as it was to us, if not more so. But I think DL can look back on parts of last season and realize that he could of handled things better. Hopefully those lessons translate as the Kings embark on a new era as I’m sure there will be many bumps along the way to claiming our 2nd Stanley Cup and we will NEED him to guide the Kings’ ship safely through the rough seas.

    [Reply]

  18. neil says:

    doenst sound like he wants someone he knews per se…..

    [Reply]

  19. JFont says:

    Leafs made an offer for Bernier?

    [Reply]

  20. DesertKing says:

    he’s gonna bring Gretzky back so he can win another Cup. Oh, wait, did he say better “player” or better “coach”? ;)

    [Reply]

  21. wes says:

    Sutter: “And, quite honestly, I’d prefer if they were a better coach than me. One thing I’ve always really enjoyed is having really good staffs. Not just from a coaching standpoint but from a personal standpoint too, because they’re basically the guys you spend 18 hours a day with, for 10 months.” Sutter’s pretty much a dead-pan straight shooter, but “18 hours a day,” coach? If that’s not a slight bit of uncharacteristic hyperbole, we’ve got coaches sleep-walking on the job.

    [Reply]

  22. Duncanz says:

    How old is Scotty Bowman then?

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Duncanz, he’s a few years younger than… methuselah

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Stuart, So then by biblical standards he’s young. We’ll take ‘im.

    [Reply]

  23. Deader2818 says:

    I’m thinking maybe Scott Arnie or Davis Payne? Both Fairly young and former head coaches of Western Conference teams.

    [Reply]

  24. neil says:

    Does Rich fit the bill???

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @neil,

    Sorry, we must have thought of it at the same time. My apologies :)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @neil,
    Does the job fit @RH’s bill is more the question!

    [Reply]

  25. DesertKing says:

    Anyone know if Rich was interviewed? Young, knows the Western Conference, looks good in a suit behind the bench, has the combined coaching knowledge of 100′s of bloggers? Heck, then he would be a true Insider.

    [Reply]

  26. Donald_S says:

    And he’s been an assistant coach! For one minor league game, granted, but thae positives should outweigh that.

    [Reply]

    Donald_S Reply:

    @Donald_S,

    That is Rich has been an assistant coach…

    [Reply]

  27. OC King says:

    This is just a shot out of a cannon… Ron Wilson

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @OC King, Ducks North?

    [Reply]

    OC King Reply:

    @Duncanz, Just throwing pieces of crap on a wall to see if they stick

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @OC King,
    And you’re an OC guy after all.
    More power to you!
    8)

    Mudfish4 Reply:

    @OC King, That’s not bad. From what I saw in locker room footage when he was in Washington, he’s a good communicator, seems to be a pretty positive guy. Wonder how his hay bailing skills are?

    [Reply]

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @OC King,

    Him and Jack Ferreira don’t get along at all. Wilson was let go after a very successful first trip to the playoffs in Anaheim when Ferreira was GM. Not to mention, he’s gradually turned into a Marc Crawford screamer type.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro,
    Well, that was DS’s rap before he arrived, too. If he could be polished up, RW could.
    And the friction at Anaheim was supposedly more between him and Tavares, the team President than him and Ferreira.
    Still, at 57 years of age he may not be the type of young buck that DS is stalking.

    [Reply]

  28. vladimir says:

    My name Vladimir , I can halpe HIM .

    [Reply]

    Forum Gold Reply:

    @vladimir, This is Peggy, I can halpe too. GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Forum Gold,

    I’m Alec Baldwin. All you guys get is a hat! :D

    [Reply]

  29. PurpleRocks says:

    ***OFF TOPIC***

    Interesting – looks like Simon Gagne’s injury might not have been a concussion after all. In more ways than one it seems like coming to L.A. is the best thing that could have happened to him. I really hope for his sake that all the bad health is behind him and he can catch a break!

    http://www.simongagne.com/2012/07/17/article-simon-gagne-the-stanley-cup-with-a-mass-in-the-neck/

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, it will be interesting to see how he does next season!

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, Yeah, saw that last week but she got a better translation than Google from the original French article. I still don’t get it though. He was talking ‘concussion’ all the way up to him returning, yet the article states he didn’t think it was one. Strange.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    “Upper-body injury”.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, This could be wonderful news. Poof, a 30 goal scorer that is much more likely to stay healty. King’s are sure living right these days.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, Wow! Having cervical spine damage, I can relate. Almost makes me wish it was the problem I have–to be able to cut it out and heal properly! Gags may be a whole different player not unlike he was before. I’m looking forward to seeing him back in the lineup next season.

    [Reply]

  30. TRStinson says:

    I had heard that Bernie is happy with the current role he has, and that he doesn’t want to officially be a coach.

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @TRStinson, Hmmm, where ever could you have heard that? I wonder. ;)

    [Reply]

    TRStinson Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    I’m guessing, based on your comment, that I heard it from you first? :-)

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @TRStinson, Ha! I can see that, but no. Here on LAKI of course. And right above in this very thread from Rich himself!

  31. Gail Web says:

    Sutter will find him!

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  32. jmsalsa says:

    am i the only one who reads this as he’s looking for someone to eventually become his replacement?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @jmsalsa,
    Sure, I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a new HC within 3 years.
    Less than 5 for certain.

    [Reply]

    LAPD line Reply:

    @jmsalsa, I really wanted to commend on your YouTube videos you made for the kings playoff runs. I still watch those almost every day. Gives me chills…..
    Thanks a lot and keep those vids coming….

    Here is a link which I hope works…
    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy6UXM8Ots8
    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7kVreEsCXJ8
    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eN-ca9wmgEA
    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y-nGumQNLcg

    [Reply]

    jmsalsa Reply:

    @LAPD line, thnx! glad you enjoyed them!

    there will definitely be more. i have a couple ideas in the works for the start of the season. i’m also hooking up with the Faces of the Los Angeles Kings project to hopefully cut a teaser/trailer for that.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @jmsalsa, I was thinking the same thing. Maybe winning the Cup “did it” for him, and he’s looking forward to moving on. I was really disappointed to see Big Bird go to San Jose, but he’s not really a head coach, it seems. In the back of my mind, I always wondered it Tippett would be back. He is, of course, unavailable, and his team disappointed many of us during the playoffs. The way things have worked out with Sutter and Lombardi, I’m going to have to resign myself to trusting them.

    [Reply]

  33. variable says:

    i have this vision of prospective assistants flying to ds’s farm and being asked to shovel some cow patties before they actually talk hockey….

    “do you have any experience with udders…?”

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @variable,

    After all, he is very adamant about someone who is ‘hands on.’

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    it’s all about being “hands-on”….:)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @unviable, @Paul Armbruster (KidsNewsDaily.com),
    You guys are both milking this for all you’re worth..

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Duncanz,
    i’m lactose intolerant, too…

    Duncanz Reply:

    @divisible,
    Soy un perdedor.

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Duncanz, Absolutely going whole hog.

  34. I’m actually shocked no one piled on Kompon, so I will.

    Sutter said, ‘no slight on Jamie,’ but to me that’s exactly what it is (especially when you say it isn’t).

    Here’s what Sutter is looking for:

    1) Coaching experience (preferably head)
    2) Better coach that him
    3) Familiar with the Western Conference
    4) ‘Hands-on’ (whatever that means)
    5) Good communicator
    6) Not ‘over-the-hill’
    7) Enjoy being around personally

    With that said, Kompon only qualifies for 1, 3 and 6. I think you can safely deduce from that that Sutter certainly doesn’t think Jamie is ‘better’ than him, that he’s not a very good communicator (and that’s saying something coming from Sutter!), not ‘hands-on’ (I still don’t get what the means exactly), and probably most importantly, the staff didn’t enjoying being around Jamie personally. Pretty huge slight IMO.

    Good luck Chicago!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    Careful, a couple of other bloggers might decide that you are being mean. Of course, I support the beating of Deadhorse(s).

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @DesertKing, I actually dug up the horse just so I could kick him one last time. Now that’s commitment!

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx3eEm4vPAc

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @variable,

    better version….

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v31GC1W1dn0&feature=related

    [Reply]

    Clint Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    A hands on coach is a guy who puts on his skates and shows you how its done…not all talk and theory and pointing his laser pointer at the video you are reviewing with the players. He’ll throw a check in practice or tell you to hit him as he carries the puck down to wing.

    Sutter is talking about making the team a family, where nobody is above anybody and they work together because they all respect each other…they are all on the same level, just guys trying to win the cup. Sutter was a grinder like Granato or Taylor. He wants more of the same, who know the only way to get anything done is through hard work. Just like working on a farm.

    [Reply]

  35. TRStinson says:

    Based on Darryl Sutter’s statements, it seems like his list of candidates would be a pretty short one. Tom Renney would have been on this list, but he took a job with the Red Wings.

    Scott Arniel
    Davis Payne
    Tony Granato
    Mike Yeo
    Ron Wilson (I know, a bit of a stretch)

    [Reply]

    Kingofkings Reply:

    @TRStinson, Isn’t Mike Yeo still coaching Minnesota Wild?

    [Reply]

    DEH Reply:

    @Kingofkings, His brother, Brent Sutter? He’s not a better coach than Darryl, but Darryl might say he is.

    [Reply]

    Clint Reply:

    @TRStinson,

    I thought of Granato immediately and based on your list…I still only think of Granato. Although Tippet would be great if available. I want him as our head-coach someday.

    Bring back Ftorek or Tom Webster!

    Yeah…it’s gotta be Granato, right?

    [Reply]

    joan fondell Reply:

    @TRStinson, None of those are worthwhile, maybe Granato. No on Ftorek–tired of sweaters…LOL

    [Reply]

  36. Marty4Ever says:

    What’s all your opinions about Craig MacTavish?

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Marty4Ever,

    that’s an interesting call…

    didn’t think of him….

    [Reply]

    Kostamojen Reply:

    @Marty4Ever, except he was recently named Senior VP of Hockey Operations by the Edmonton Oilers. Would he really jump ship after being on the job a month?

    [Reply]

  37. Marc Nathan says:

    shame to lose Pellerin. He was a very good assistant in Manchester. Good luck to him with Bridgeport.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @Marc Nathan,

    career decision, i’m sure….

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @variable, http://bit.ly/OHa0on

    [Reply]

  38. Kingsofkomedy says:

    Bring back. Mark Hardy

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Kingsofkomedy, Coaches defense. Kings need an O coach.

    [Reply]

  39. pw says:

    I wonder if he will go with an alumni, or a past player/coach from his earlier days?

    [Reply]

  40. dman says:

    What about Wayne Gretzky or even Dave Tippett .

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @dman, There was this part about being a better coach (Gretz) than Sutter. Tippett seems to be under contract as a head coach. I can just hear Deano asking the league for permission to talk to Tippett and suggesting they let him out of his contract. :-/

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, You have to get permission from the Phoenix Coyotes (for Tippett), but I suspect you have to do that thru the NHL offices just so no false claims of tampering are made by a team giving permission, then claiming to have not given permission. I don’t know if Dave Tippett would be looking to take a assistant coaches spot, and last I heard he was still Head Coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @luc20rules, My point: Guess who OWNS the Coyotes…it’s the league.

  41. pongy557 says:

    two words: Jim Fox

    [Reply]

    alex Reply:

    @pongy557, Yes indeed Jim Fox come on down !

    [Reply]

  42. Sutter wins the Cup and “vacations” working with hay. A string work ethic is in his DNA and it rubbed off on the Kings enough that they became almost unbeatable within just a few months. Looking forward to what they will become under his leadership for a full season. This could be a Vince Lombardi reincarnation. Kings hard hats and lunch pails should be in production.

    [Reply]

  43. letswinthecup2012 says:

    Love Sutter! Repeat in 2013 boys!!

    [Reply]

  44. Clint says:

    Sounds to me like he is describing Granato. Not that Tony is better than Sutter…but he hits every other element, and his winning percentage is pretty damn high.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Clint, Is Granato applying for this job, it seems like it would be a quite a step down from his previous jobs to become a Special Teams Coach only responsible for the PP. As I would leave John Stevens in charge of the PK.

    [Reply]

    Gary Livingston Reply:

    @luc20rules,

    I doubt he would only be responsible for the PP. There’s been documentation on this blog about the roles of the assistant coaches and how they are not just one aspect but, a healthy mix of responsibilities.

    Rich, feel free to share some quick links =)

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Gary Livingston, Now that you mention it, I do remember it being mentioned. Specifically when Kompon was taking alot of heat for the PP, that the PP and all other aspects of the team were done with a group effort. I would think though that DS is managing and the specific assigned coaches are lead in practice/meetings/video review with the other coaches observing and adding input. No matter how it is done the title to outside NHL teams would still be Special Teams Assistant Coach or what ever the title is. Keep in mind Assistant Head Coach is already John Stephens title.

  45. Christian says:

    Whats Kevin Constantine up to these days? He’s the guy DS is talking about.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Christian, Wow, great thought.
    Currently coaching in Switzerland.

    [Reply]

  46. Ducksuck says:

    It took me a while to warm up to Sutter with the scoring drought and how they finished the season vs San Jose. Whoever decided to fire Kompon is truely a very smart person and great move. Great resigns! I would love to see Doan, but I doubt anybody big. This team is so great, unlike the Blackhawks we are keeping our cup team and I think it’s just GREAT!!! GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  47. MmmmYummy says:

    A young former coach from the Western Conference? Riiiiight. I guess young is relative. At least he isn’t looking for a sparkling personality and an SAT above 1200.

    He sounds like a chick shopping for shoes.

    [Reply]

  48. Going For a 7-peat says:

    Let’s get Ron Wilson up in this party!!!!

    [Reply]

  49. alex says:

    ROB Blake… where are ya son?DS GOT A JOB FOR YA !

    [Reply]

  50. Gary says:

    Well, there’s some young guys that had brief stints as head coaches with Western Conference teams, but, he may be pointing to Brent Sutter. He’s younger than DS, and relatively young, as far as coaching goes.

    [Reply]

  51. kb says:

    Sounds to me like he’s not only looking for an assistant coach but an eventual replacement and disciple

    [Reply]

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