Jacques Lemaire hired as Special Assignment Coach

[CarltonTheBear]

UPDATE: http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=776948&navid=DL|TOR|home

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Friday that the hockey club has hired Jacques Lemaire as a special assignment coach. Lemaire spent the past six seasons with the New Jersey Devils organization as a head coach (2009-10, 2010-11) and most recently as a special assignment coach.



Another interesting twist when it comes to Leafs management. Tony Marinaro (Montreal radio guy) tweeted this morning that the Leafs have contacted Lemaire and that Babcock wants him as an assistant coach:

[tweet]631901974112432128[/tweet]

And then Tom Gulitti, New Jersey's beat reporter, filed a story about Lemaire's position with the Devils and how it may be in doubt with Lou gone:

http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/jacques-lemaire-might-join-lou-lamoriello-with-maple-leafs-waiting-to-hear-if-devils-want-him-back-1.1392127

Unsure of his future in New Jersey after Lou Lamoriello's departure, Jacques Lemaire might soon join his former Devils' boss in Toronto.

Lemaire, who will turn 70 on Sept. 7, said he has spoken about potential jobs with ?a couple teams so far? since Lamoriello left the Devils to become the Maple Leafs general manager on July 23. He has yet to talk to new Devils GM Ray Shero, though, about whether the organization wants him to remain in his role as a special assignment coach.

?I don't know what's going on, yet,? Lemaire said today. ?I haven't had the chance to talk to the new people (with the Devils). I'm waiting for a call.?

When asked if he might end up working for Lamoriello again with the Maple Leafs, Lemaire replied, ?I don't know, yet.?

...

Lemaire spends most of the season based at his home in Florida, but would come to New Jersey a few times during the year to watch the team. He'd also meet up with the Devils when they played at Tampa Bay and visit the organization's AHL team in Albany.

After Lamoriello stepped down as Devils GM on May 4 and named Shero as his replacement, he was to remain as team president and Lemaire had agreed to stay on in his special assignment coach role. With Lamoriello in Toronto, however, Lemaire doesn't know if the Devils still want him back.

?That's really what I'm waiting for there, to see what their intentions are and then I'll go from there,? Lemaire said.

I don't really remember how reputable Marinaro is. Given the Lou connection though if Lemaire is looking for a new gig I'm sure that the two have at least touched base. I find it hard to believe that it would be for an assistant coach position though as the Leafs have already hired people there. It would likely be in the "special assignment" coach role that Lemaire has been in with New Jersey. According to Gulitti that was basically just a scout/consultant position.

 

[Kin]

I mean, sure. At some point you're just collecting names though.

 

[herman]

So is he going to be the Cliff Fletcher of the coaching staff?

 

[Frank E]

I'd like to think there would be coaches lined up to work under Babcock, but whatever, Lemaire is fine I guess.

 

[Andy007]

Scotty Bowman to take over as Carlton the Bear?

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

As long as he doesn't cost a draft pick.

 

[Redleaf]

Scotty Bowman to take over as Carlton the Bear?

Lol.

 

[bustaheims]

I mean, sure. At some point you're just collecting names though.

Yeah. He could be interesting in some sort of advisory role, but I don't know if he'd add much being behind the bench.

 

[Peter D.]

I mean, sure. At some point you're just collecting names though.

Yeah. He could be interesting in some sort of advisory role, but I don't know if he'd add much being behind the bench.

With the team seemingly filling the roles behind the bench previously, the first thing that came to mind was an eye-in-the-sky type of role.

 

[Tigger]

Not a bad hockey brain to have in your arsenal.

 

[Deebo]

He's been named Special Assignment Coach.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

He's been named Special Assignment Coach.

What does that even mean?

 

[herman]

What he's been doing for NJD already. He watches games (video) and catches the occasional Florida road trip match, and gives feedback.

Basically, he's a consultant coach that Lou and Babcock trust the opinion of.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

What does that even mean?

It'll likely be the same role that he's had in New Jersey recently. It's very much a consultant type job. Don't expect him to be behind the bench or anything like that. He'd watch the Devils games from his home in Florida and give his input when asked. Would meet up with the team during their road trips to Florida/Tampa. Would go on scouting assignments.

It's possible he takes a more hands-on approach in Toronto, but given his age I would think he's pretty happy with that set-up.

 

[Highlander]

Another good hockey mind to add a detached expert opinion..it certainly can't hurt and may be of great help.

 

[Al14]

So much for the re-build.  

How are we going to bottom out with all this high end coaching on board?  :-\

I see us making the playoffs instead of getting another top 5 pick next June! 

 

[bustaheims]

So much for the re-build.  

How are we going to bottom out with all this high end coaching on board?  :-\

I see us making the playoffs instead of getting another top 5 pick next June! 

Because, no matter how good a coach may be, ultimately, the team's talent level is going to limit their ability to succeed, and the Leafs' overall talent level is near the bottom of the league. Without a miracle, this team will not be anywhere near the playoffs. It would basically mean Bernier had one of the best seasons in league history.

 

[Al14]

So much for the re-build.  

How are we going to bottom out with all this high end coaching on board?  :-\

I see us making the playoffs instead of getting another top 5 pick next June! 

Because, no matter how good a coach may be, ultimately, the team's talent level is going to limit their ability to succeed, and the Leafs' overall talent level is near the bottom of the league. Without a miracle, this team will not be anywhere near the playoffs. It would basically mean Bernier had one of the best seasons in league history.

Low end players can be coached to perform beyond their skill levels.  This could translate into team success.  We'll see by Christmas which direction the team will take with the new coaching staff.

 

[Frank E]

So much for the re-build.  

How are we going to bottom out with all this high end coaching on board?  :-\

I see us making the playoffs instead of getting another top 5 pick next June! 

Because, no matter how good a coach may be, ultimately, the team's talent level is going to limit their ability to succeed, and the Leafs' overall talent level is near the bottom of the league. Without a miracle, this team will not be anywhere near the playoffs. It would basically mean Bernier had one of the best seasons in league history.

I can appreciate that things might go a little differently if Lemaire were to turn himself into 1972 Jacques Lemaire and play 70-80 games...but baring that, I don't think he'll have a whole hell of a lot of effect on this team's result this coming season.

 

[Al14]

So much for the re-build.  

How are we going to bottom out with all this high end coaching on board?  :-\

I see us making the playoffs instead of getting another top 5 pick next June! 

Because, no matter how good a coach may be, ultimately, the team's talent level is going to limit their ability to succeed, and the Leafs' overall talent level is near the bottom of the league. Without a miracle, this team will not be anywhere near the playoffs. It would basically mean Bernier had one of the best seasons in league history.

I can appreciate that things might go a little differently if Lemaire were to turn himself into 1972 Jacques Lemaire and play 70-80 games...but baring that, I don't think he'll have a whole hell of a lot of effect on this team's result this coming season.

Then, why bother hiring him?  I see this team being much better with this new coaching staff.  Am I deluding myself?  Maybe.