San Jose Sharks Offically Name Peter DeBoer New Head Coach
By Felix Chow
Nov 18, 2014; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New Jersey Devils head coach Peter DeBoer reacts during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
It was reported yesterday by ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun that Peter DeBoer would become the next San Jose Sharks head coach, but now it’s official. The Sharks, today, named DeBoer the eighth head coach in franchise history.
DeBoer previously coached the Florida Panthers for three seasons (2008-2011) before moving on to the New Jersey Devils, most notably coaching them in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012 against the eventual champion Los Angeles Kings. This would mark his only appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He would then go on to coach the Devils for a season-and-a-half before being fired half-way through last season.
DeBoer replaces Todd McLellan (now coaching the Edmonton Oilers), who lasted seven years with Team Teal.
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As has been mentioned by a fellow colleague in another article, there have been mixed reviews towards DeBoer. Some fans are upset because his track record doesn’t prove he’s worthy enough to get the Sharks back into the playoffs, and that he doesn’t utilize ice time for younger players very well, etc.
A few have welcomed the change, citing they’ve heard good things about him.
The truth is… we just don’t really know. I can’t even say for sure whether or not this guy really is “fit for the Sharks” or just “fit for Doug Wilson’s plans.” However, I can and will say this: Whatever moves lie ahead in the offseason will be interesting, as this is still only the beginning.
It’s also worth noting that now-Director of Player Development Larry Robinson was one of those instrumental in the hiring, given that the two have worked together in New Jersey. The day before the DeBoer hiring, Robinson had this to say yesterday (via San Jose Mercury News’ David Pollak )
#SJSharks Robinson (an assistant to DeBoer in NJ) on apparent hire: . "He's a very detailed, smart hockey man ... He'll make a good choice."
— David Pollak (@PollakOnSharks) May 27, 2015
More from #SJSharks Robinson on DeBoer: "He definitely stresses good defense, but he allows players to be creative in offensive zone."
— David Pollak (@PollakOnSharks) May 27, 2015
Lastly, what’s interesting to note is DeBoer did say that he has familiarity with coaching Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau 17 years ago on a U-18 team. Thus, coaching them along with the rest of the team might not be so different would it, considering the whole group is still basically influenced by Jumbo Joe? We shall see, I guess.
With the amount of hurdles left to jump over, only time can tell whether or not the new Sharks head coach will do a good job in his first year. Keep in mind that this isn’t just a test for DeBoer. It’s really still up to Wilson to get the right pieces of the roster together.
In any case, welcome to San Jose, Coach Peter DeBoer.