Nominating a new coaching candidate for Buffalo to consider.
By Jason Moser / Diebytheblade.com
With Todd McLellan no longer in consideration as a coaching candidate for the Buffalo Sabres, I’d like to stand up and throw a new name into the ring – Adam Oates. So Mr. Botterill, if you’re reading (which we know you are), pay close attention.
Usually, my motto about hiring a retread coach is “tread lightly”. However, the term “retread” applies a bit differently to Oates’ unique experience as the head boss behind the NHL bench. After serving as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Oates latched on as an assistant with the New Jersey Devils, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012.
The following year, Oates garnered his first head-coaching job with the Washington Capitals. An early playoff exit in the lockout-shortened 2013 season and a 9th place regular season finish in 2013-2014 urged the Capitals to clean house, firing both Oates and general manager George McPhee. It was his one and only true head coaching job, taking into account being named “co-head coach” with the New Jersey Devils – along with Scott Stevens – after Peter DeBoer’s firing in the middle of the 2014-2015 season. The Devils eventually hired John Hynes as their head coach the ensuing offseason.
Currently, Oates has started his own personal player development coaching business called Oates Sports Group. His clients include some of the elite players in the NHL such as Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Toews, Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, Ryan O’Reilly, Mark Scheifele, and some guy named Jack Eichel. Upon firing head coach John Stevens in November, the Los Angeles Kings became the first team to hire the group’s consulting services.
So why should the Sabres be interested in Adam Oates?
His attention to detail, proven track record in player development, and overall mindset and approach top the list. These are the things the Sabres seem to be missing, and the mantra to Oates’ coaching.