Anaheim Ducks: 6 Things on Bob Murray’s Offseason To-Do List

Hire a New Head Coach

The wait for a new head coach has been agonizing for Anaheim Ducks fans. On this day, four years ago, Bob Murray made one of the worst mistakes of his tenure as GM and brough back Randy Carlyle for his second stint as head coach. Fans want him to make it up to them, and he has taken his sweet time in making sure he leaves no stone unturned.

Todd Nelson and Lane Lambert are both rumored to be out of the running. This leaves Dallas Eakins, Scott Sandelin, Rick Bowness, and possibly an unnamed candidate as the final four coaching candidates for the Anaheim Ducks.

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As the days drag on, the space between Dallas Eakins and the head coach position seems to grow smaller. Although, the other candidates should not be counted out just yet. Murray’s reasons for doubting Eakins’ competence as an NHL head coach are completely validated, and it makes sense as to why he’s taking the extra time to really study his candidates and widdle them down until the last possible second.

As we’ve mentioned, Eakins already has a valuable relationship with several of the players and knows what makes them tick. He has an idea on how to help them continue to develop. He already knows what doesn’t work at an NHL level, so his tactics have most likely changed since his time in Edmonton.

Bowness is praised for his development of several NHL defenseman, and the Anaheim Ducks blueline needs an overhaul. He has the most NHL experience out of all the candidates, and he doesn’t exactly have the most glowing resume. Nevertheless, time away from the head coach position has more than likely given him a fresh perspective.

Sandelin has no experience at the NHL or AHL levels, but he is one of the most successful NCAA coaches in the league. Many thought he was out of the running after signing a contract extension with Minnesota-Duluth but still interviewed with Bob Murray for the head coaching position.

Bringing in a coach that has no previous NHL experience, especially a coach without a black mark on his record like Eakins and Bowness, could be a great way to implement the new system of hockey within the Anaheim Ducks organization. Plus, he is a proven champion, so whatever he’s doing has been working.

With this likely being the last hiring Bob Murray does as GM of the Anaheim Ducks, he has to be very wise about who he gives the position to. So, while it may be difficult for us to sit back and wait, we need to trust him. He’s doing what is in the best interest of the team and, at this point, any coach would be better than Randy Carlyle.

Aside from hiring a head coach, what do you think Bob Murray should put at the top of his summer to-do list? Is there anything we left out you think he should add to his list? Let us know by leaving a comment down below!