Sharks’ Associate Coach Larry Robinson Signs Three-Year Extension
By Eric He
Stanley Cup winning coach Larry Robinson will remain on the San Jose Sharks’ coaching staff for the next three seasons, and he’s been given an expanded role as well.
Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette first reported the news. Robinson, who will remain an associate head coach, will also become the team’s director of player development.
“It’s a great working environment,” Robinson told David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News, “and through development, I’ll not only be working with the D, I’ll be trying to help everybody get better.”
Robinson has been behind the Sharks’ bench the past two seasons, brought in by head coach Todd McLellan. As a member of the Sharks’ front office, he could “be consulted for roster and personnel decisions, including potential trades,” according to Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area.
The Sharks could surely use Robinson’s experience. He is 62 years old, and has won nine Stanley Cups throughout his career as a player and coach. Robinson guided the Devils to the championship during the 1999-2000 season as the interim head coach.
“I’m hoping it’s not a challenge,” Robinson said, alluding to how the Sharks will respond to a disappointing playoff exit. “I’m hoping that everybody comes back madder than hell that we let a great chance slip through out fingers. We don’t have anybody to blame but ourselves.”
Robinson will also be helping out with the Worcester Sharks, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate.