Report: San Jose Sharks Still Finalizing Coaching Staff
Dec 6, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils head coach Peter DeBoer reacts in the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks added two coaches to new head coach Peter DeBoer’s staff about one month ago when Johan Hedberg and Bob Boughner were officially announced. Despite those two additions, the Sharks and DeBoer are still trying to fill out the rest of his staff.
According to a report from Kevin Kurz of Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area, San Jose has plans to “add to that group.” While it’s unknown whether the Sharks are seeking to add one or more coaches, it appears they are seeking to add a coach with some sort of power play experience.
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Two names Kurz mentions in connection with DeBoer and San Jose are Steve Spott and Adam Oates. Spott has coached with DeBoer in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before and was recently an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Spott has experience running a power play, and according to Kurz, could even be a front-runner to join the staff.
Oates has a connection to DeBoer as he ran DeBoer’s power play unit with the New Jersey Devils when they advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals back in 2012. Oates, who previously was the head coach in Washington, would be an interesting hire as he’s been very successful as a power play specialist, but struggled when he was the head man with the Capitals.
Another intriguing name Sharks fans would embrace from a sentimental perspective would be Evgeni Nabokov. Nabokov recently helped out with San Jose’s development camp where he worked with many of the organization’s top prospects. While it’s been mentioned that Nabokov may join the organization in some capacity, it’s highly unlikely it would be a spot on the coaching staff, especially with Hedberg already on board as the new goaltending coach.
Finally, Kurz points out how the roles for Hedberg and Boughner have been more clearly defined. Boughner will focus on the defensive end of the ice and be tasked with improving the 24th-ranked penalty killing unit. Meanwhile, as previously mentioned, Hedberg will focus on the goaltenders while also serving as an overseer during the first two periods from up high, before joining the bench for the final period.