Jim Parsons examines the NHL to identify players delivering maximum value to their franchises in comparison to their cap hits. Given the historic contracts signed across the league during the off-season, which skaters offer the highest return on investment?
Transcript of the Video
To close out today’s show, The Hockey News has been putting together its yearly rankings of NHL head coaches, and they are wrapping up those assessments this week by unveiling the top three spots.
Counting them down, landing at spot number three is Florida Panthers bench boss Paul Maurice.
Coming in at number two is Rod Brind’Amour, leading the Carolina Hurricanes.
And taking the top spot at number one is Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper.
What are your thoughts on this, Mike?
That is a formidable trio at the top.
Are there any adjustments you would personally make?
I believe they selected the correct group of three coaches.
It’s hard to see how the top spot goes to a coach who suffered an opening-round upset against Montreal, missed out on Olympic gold to Team USA in what many considered a surprising defeat, and has struggled to advance beyond the first round since capturing back-to-back championships.
To be clear, I am not suggesting Cooper isn’t an outstanding coach.
He managed to do a fantastic job last season despite dealing with a heavily depleted Tampa Bay roster.
Still, it is difficult not to hand the top ranking to the coach who actually hoisted the Stanley Cup.
Regarding Maurice in third place, although they struggled recently due to health setbacks, he was the one who captured the two preceding Stanley Cups.
Therefore, in my personal rankings, I would have put Brind’Amour first, Maurice second, and Cooper third.
