Torts, Melrose? Time to end guessing game

I'm in New York through next week visiting family, so this will be my last post for a bit. But now that it appears Oren Koules and Len Barrie are all but a lock to be approved as the Lightning's next owners, it seems time to address the coaching situation; not when approval comes at the June 18 board of governors meeting, but now.

It would do both the team and coach John Tortorella some good.

Consider the team, which has to make personnel decisions this summer based on what kind of style the Lightning will play. If Torts is still the coach, it will play one way, if not (and the so-far undenied rumor is that Barry Melrose is ready to jump in), perhaps it plays another. Not all players do as well in every system. As for Torts, the guy helped lead the team to the 2004 Stanley Cup title. He was coach of the year. The team went to four straight postseasons with him behind the bench, give him his freedom, if that is the plan, and give him as much time as he needs to look for a new job.

Not that Torts will be out of work for long. The Senators, Maple Leafs and Sharks have been mentioned as possible landing areas. Another job also would take Tampa Bay off the hook for the $1.3-million left for the last season of Tortorella's contract.

The point is, everything goes smoother once the elephant in the room is shooed away. As it is now, the only part of the equation with any traction are persistent rumors that Melrose, the ESPN analyst, former Kings coach and friend of Koules, is waiting in the wings.

With the ownership situation all but wrapped up, there seems no reason to wait in announcing the direction the organization wants to go.

    

Comments

[bear]

What makes Tampa vulnerable Flash is the ownership and Koules hasn't really bought the team , he's almost renting it under the crazy deal.

The numbers don't say much for the division, do they? Do you think we get the same people back next season with ticket hikes and a crap team? Just sayn.

Quebec City just needs a new rink which the province would support. great market.

[Don in St. Pete]

Well, the players know the deal in the new NHL ( with the salry cap ) and actually have their agents check the available cap space to see which might be the most appealing based upon the amount of money they have to spend, the direction of the team ( are they going toward a youth movement like Phoenix or trying to sign a few more pieces for a cup run ) and the weather and appeal of the area ( more important if they have family ). Another big plus for Florida's appeal to athletes is the lack of a State income tax. If our new owner shows a committment to win and win now, many of the pieces are in place now and it could be highly appealing to some free agents.

[boltflasher]

Don, none of the FAs you listed, other than Hainsey, is on any team's top line or 1 or 2 Dman position...Hainsey wasn't either until late season trades by the Blu Jackets...by the way, WHAT is a Blue Jacket??

[Patricia]

Agree Don and really, a free agent will have to have a reason other than money to migrate to the leagues worst team.
Whats the selling proposition?

[boltflasher]

Yes, good article Bear. I have said all along that there were other teams that were better candidates for relocation than Tampa. I have simply argued that Tampa is not the team that should be targeted for relo at present. ATL, NASH, Wash, Fla all make more sense than TB. The problem with Winnipeg is it is out of the way and it does not have a major league facility (though, one could be built but is an issue until it is) whereas Hamilton has to address the Toronto-Buffalo issue...Yes, Canada could easily support another team but some things still need to be worked out. KC has a brand new NHL ready facility, the LA Kings will be playing a preseason game there (as the "home" team, interestingly). That will appeal to Bettman probably, not that I care a whit about KC....What's the story in Quebec? Can the "Nordiques" reappear? I liked the Canadian-Nordique rivalry...

[Don in St. Pete]

Boltflasher, I'm sorry but I have to diagree with you on that assessment. Have you done any research on the available free agents? I have done extensive research though I just found out that Nick Boynton is not a free agent as someone had mentioned the other night, but Michal Rozsival, Brent Sopel or Bryce Salvador would all be good pickups. On paper this lineup would be better than the one that one the cup so I'm not sure where you're getting your info.

[Karma]

Turtle,
I don't know you any more than you know Coach. So, save me your sad story. He's a first class person and it will be a huge loss to the team and the community if he's gone. I'm tired of reading your tripe for this year. And yes, this is a flame.

[bear]

Flasher no way Toronto gives up its kids with Burkie on the horizon.

Since your here, check out an article you will enjoy about NHL revenue. I think we had this discussion awhile ago about distributed tickets vs revenue and how Canada just makes so much more sense.
New secret 2008 NHL revenue report leaked.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Hockey/article/433906

"In fact, eight U.S. teams – the Coyotes, the Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers, Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues – generated less than half the amount of ticket revenue this season of the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators".

[boltflasher]

Bear, I can now see Burke maybe wanting out of Anaheim with the owners legal problems that have surfaced (though, with a different business)...he agreed to stay on before that became public (one wonders if he already knew?)...

[boltflasher]

Bear, name me the "bumper" crop of Toronto players that will bring the Bolts back into playoff contention...if they are that good why would'nt Toronto keep them considering their "playoff success"?

[boltflasher]

Don, that's not a lineup that I would think makes the playoffs...it puts them at about the level of Florida minus Boumeister and Vokoun...The Bolts could have all of those players now plus Vinny by spending a little closer to the cap...

[bear]

Right on re: Luc Bourdon, Seattle, pretty tragic.R.I.P

Flasher, Toronto has a good bunch of young players something of which Tampa has zero. Looks like they are leaning to Burke's buddy Ron Wilson to coach. Wink.wink.

My guess, Torts gets Ottawa and a shot at another Cup.

Harvey, "Darwin award" brilliant and funny.

Bolts want a ticket seller behind the bench they should bring in Don Cherry. At least he can coach a little bit.
It would make just as much sense.

[Don in St. Pete]

What no takers? Just imagine what we could do with the $18Mil. Here are my ideas if anyone is still blogging.

LW Ryan Malone $3mil on the first line with V4 and Marty

LW Niklas Hagman on the 2nd line with Stamkos and Radim Vrbata $3.5Mil

RW Radim Vrbata on the 2nd line with Stamkos and Hagman $3Mil

3rd line hot has Halpern, Ouellete and Jokinen

4th line now has Gratton, Darche and Artyhukin

D Sign Nick Boynton and Ron Hainsey $1.5mil and $2Mil. Lundin and Smaby can get more seasoning down at Norfolk.

G Sign Olaf Kolzig and let Ramo play every day down at Norfolk. $1.5mil

[boltflasher]

Toronto does not have a "bumper" crop of better players. They are trying to unload the players that they have. I would not read too much into Feaster's comments, other than he's not really in charge now and Melrose said "nothings going on"...

[Don in St. Pete]

WOW! Judging by the quote by FESTER, I mean Feaster in the ESPN article, it appears you might be right Ajax. Well if it get's us a bumper crop of better players then I think we have to try and see the bright side. If we get all bent out of shape over Melrose then it's going to be a long year indeed. The way I figure it we're at under $40mil of cap space used up if we sign last years bit players and jettison Denis. That gives us aroung $18Mil to play with! I'm beginning to love Melrose already! Puke!!!!! Hell, I even have a mullet. Anyhow, let's turn this blog around to happiers thoughts and suggest what the new GM could do with the $18Mil.

[Seattleboltsfan]

This move will either be a home run or a strikeout. I like Melrose as a commentator, but know very little of his coaching credentials. He once was a coach of the Seattle Thunderbirds, but that was before my time. He led a favored Kings team to the Finals in 93, but lost to the Habs. I like Torts, but maybe it's time for a new voice in the locker room. Not a Torts hater by any means and think he will be a good fit for a team like San Jose. He's a fiery coach that can finally get Thornton and Marleau on the same page, as well as develop young guys like Setogucchi and Pavelski. He has been a winner every place he has coached. His next coaching stint will be no exception...

RIP Luc Bourdon! Tampa will always be my first team, but have been lucky to see a bunch of Canucks game in BC and to see Bourdon play as well. He was a tough player that can also have a hand in the offensive game. Reminded me of a Braydon Coburn type of player. Really sad to see a young man and very talented player lose his life so tragically. You will be missed Luc!Thanks for the memories, sadly and abruptly abbreviated.

[boltflasher]

Melrose responds to report on coaching Lightning
ESPN.com news services

Updated: May 30, 2008, 7:39 PM ET
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Former Los Angeles Kings coach Barry Melrose brushed aside a rumor he is in line to become the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, saying he is enjoying his life as an ESPN analyst.

"This is no different than any of the last 10 years," Melrose said in response to a report in the Toronto Star. "I've been contacted by a handful of clubs every year since joining ESPN. My desire to coach again has never been a secret, but I love what I do at ESPN."

Melrose's return to NHL coaching has been speculated upon several times in recent years but, when asked about the report on ESPN's "SportsCenter" on Friday, Melrose added: "I want to coach again in the NHL. But nothing's going on. Uh, I work for ESPN and I'm very happy working for ESPN."

[ajax]

I have already gotten calls that it is official, Melrose is in.
Unfricking unbelievable.
But, I will choose the rosies.
Koul***, rhymes with dumb***, has promised Melrose that he is going to hammer the cap, sign Vinny and give him an instant contender. How's that!!
Mom, mom is that you, sorry mom, I must of dozed off. lala land.
And I will be pithy in my response of Torts being shown the door. You might of heard this one before.
Good riddance!!!! Pithy.

[Don in St. Pete]

Well, Melrose did coach a team to the Memorial Cup and another to an AHL title but that was ages ago. With the rules changes and salary cap, this is a whole new league. Plus Melrose has been highly critical of the Lightning, time and again over the years, even when we won the Cup. Maybe they just put out the rumour as a smoke screen while they talk to Burns. I'd hate to see us playing a trap but it may be more suitable with the players we have here now. We need some skaters and some scoring punch, more than a new coach or GM.

[Mike]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3419417

[Herb]

That old adage( be careful what you wish for) might come back to kick us all in the teeth. Melrose as a new coach would certainly spell doom for next year and Tavares might be the next Bolt in 2009. I can't stand the idea of Melrose as a coach of any team (except for the 'Turds in south Florida).

[Mike]

Why is everyone complaining about melrose? What? Last place this last season. It CAN'T get worse. Torts was out.

hear hear lizzyT....

[Top-Shelf Short-Side]

Melrose behind the bench = The end of hockey, in Tampa Bay, as we know it...

[LizzyT]

I really think Torts at the end of the season put himself in a real spot. By saying he felt like someone else should be behind the bench and then changed his mind---he looks indecisive to the new owner. I hope he's gone. I'll never forgive the org. for Modine.

[LizzyT]

I love the idea about Melrose. I think Oren is a splashy Hollywood type and he needs a splashy coach. Torts is far from spashy. I really want to see Vinny out from under Torts finally. And he probably does also. If he feels like Torts holds him back---I bet he can't wait for anyone different.

[Nan]

Okay, I have to admit I wanted Torts gone but not if we would get Melrose instead. There are other NHL coaches available. If this happens we are going to go from a it's all about me (and my temper tantrums) coach to a it's all about me (look at my hair) coach. What a joke!

[harvey]

Just when I thought I had seen everything I read this.......

"According to the Star, incoming team owner Oren Koules has pushed for the hiring of Melrose in an effort to further sell the team and the sport in Florida."

Huh????????

Fairy Melrose can sell hockey to Florida? There isn't one swinging appendage south of Chicago that holds any respect for mullett boy. He heard the wrath of Tampa's faithful when he visited here during the 04 finals. And rightly so.

I never pay too much attention to papers north of the border. For that matter, I pay little attention to anyone.

If this isn't a joke, I never heard one. If Oren thinks Fairy Melrose is the answer, he clearly doesn't understand the question.

All of you who have blasted JF over the last 2 years (mostly with good reason) I'd ask you to think about what could happen. If Oren is stupid enough to bring this guy in, what does that say about of the future of the franchise? What does that say about the sense of the new owner? Hands on? I guess. Brains? Guess not.

Fairy Melrose has been hated here for years. Here's an idea.......let's make him coach and sell some tickets!!

I'll be the first to nominate Oren for the Darwin Award if this is his idea of making a splash as new owner.

There will be a splash all right. The splash you hear will be thousands of season ticket holders flushing their renewal notices down the toilet.

It's a joke, it has to be.

[Not The Marlboro Man]

This is the most bizzare thing I've heard in years. No one has picked up on Melrose in years for a reason. My guess is that he wasn't that good of a coach to begin with. My first move would have been to grab Pat Burns, maybe even Pat Quinn or any body available out there before I would have gone after the oppinionated greasy mullet king. I don't see the lightning having a chance. They have jumped out of the pan into the fire, if this BS is true.

[Hockey Chic]

Casper definitely an award winning piece of work and I laughed through the whole thing.

Think of the Melrose move as a marketing piece of genius. We could have one night as mullet night and Barry could commentate from the bench for ESPN.

Did anyone see Melrose interview sid the kid the other night after the game? He looked like a gangsta with his hair all slicked back and the blue pin striped suit on. There is another brilliant idea we could have gangsta night and the entire forum in suits carrying fake UZI's.

Ajax glad to see you have your rosies ready as I think we are all going to need them till all this pans out. I will have mine ready and polished and barry and Oren are going to have a hell of a show I do believe.

Hey we got no where to go but up right.. Go Bolts!!

[matt]

"why would Vinny stay here?? Im sure he loves the area, but why play in a bad team with a joke of a coch like Melrose?"

Because Melrose will allow him to play like a Superstar! Not hold him back...

[troyB]

Melrose? Are you freakin' kidding me? If Torts is shown the door, I'll not renew my season tickets.

TSN says the Toronto Star reports Melrose is the coach:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239261&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[mary]

why would Vinny stay here?? Im sure he loves the area, but why play in a bad team with a joke of a coch like Melrose?

[ajax]

Casper, that was Pulitzer stuff!!! Very Moving!!! I can't wait for the sequel. Although many of your views are in the minority,(as are mine, boo hoo) it is tough love and soooo on the spot.
Listening to the radio shows it sounds like Melrose is almost a sure thing. Melrose is great "press", the big name, big headline, "sure thing" and boy will we get a black eye. Who are they going to get as the next GM? George Lucus?
Once again, Casper fine ink!!!
The best line I head on the radio today?? They talked about the Toronto paper today saying, Toronto should hire Torts if he is let go, but that might not happen because Torts doesn't get along with the GM. I laughed and said, "Who does Torts get along with?"

[Stacey]

Well, Bear, Vinny's his own man now. Don't think he needs to live in the shadow of Torts his whole f-ing life. Get real. I see Vinny doing a goofy JIG if Torts gets fired not packing his suitcase and screaming "take me with youuuu!!!" Sorry!

[Jay Feaster]

What about me????
Think I keep my job?

gotta go ... I hear the ice cream truck coming down the road ...

[Casper]

Anticipointment, brilliant.

As far as coaching savvy, you put Tortorella in a souped up Honda and tell him to race in the Soap Box Derby, he’ll do just fine. But stick him in that same race with a skateboard missing 4 skates on one side and he flat will not adjust and lean with the 4 he’s got (just lean very heavily on 2.). He will look very mortal and testy---like any of us would.

Super Coach with a lock on getting his Club to the post-season is not, in fact, not a lock. Remember, the guy remains stuck in a success proven (only with a full complement of skates…) up tempo style of play, though he has been handed an ECHL roster beyond the $21 million Glamour Boy Club.

No adjustments in the team game, just rancorous B.S. and blaming goalies for team impotence is what he’s all about. “Play my way or I’ll throw a tantrum right here and now!” Tell me again why we’re having this conversation again, in 2008?

Barry “I ain’t got nuttin’ good to say about the Lightning” Melrose is---
---and listen good, Cubby,---
a desperate character in need of stroking his ego with another hockey sit-com.
Lord love a duck, don’t let that comedy of errors be us!

Sometimes the smallest mis-steps take years to correct---no?
The same afternoon with any announcement on Melrose coming in, is the instant we should start banging the drum for yet another owner that doesn’t have his head jammed so far up in there, he’s looking out his belly button.

With or without Poutorella, absolutely without dipstick mulletboy, I guarantee that if the El Stinko's in Sunrise nail down Pat Burns first, the Bay curse continues.

Go Bolts!

[Steve]

I think Torts has worn out his welcome with the majority of players and it is time for a change. I would say I don't think Melrose would be my first (or second or third...) choice to replace him. Torts will certainly be a good coach elsewhere, but it's time for a change here. I'd love to see us give Dale Hunter a shot. This league recycles former NHL coaches too much.

[Bear]

Vott, oddly enough the players that count love Torterella and he made Lecavalier the player that he is. Don't you know that?
Ajax right and right..nuff said.

[boltcc]

The question is are both sides ready to move on?? Torts will be unemployed as long as he wants to be,and could end up in our division easily too..Atlanta and Florida don't have coaches right now correct? Torts has taken some shots at Florida so I don't know if he would go there.I think he would be a good fit in San Jose. IF Melrose comes in would he just hang around as long as things are swell and run back to ESPN as soon as there was bumps in the road..do we want that?
Would be nice to see Torts here with good goaltending for a change too.

[ajax]

I look forward to the year with great anticipointment. I will put on three pairs of rosies and hope for the best. I think it is a good sign that Koules is getting involved. There might be negatives surrounding the man, but aggressiveness in business is usually a good thing, and lite-years better than the hybernating owners we had the past few years. Keep in mind one thing folks, the owners were absentee owners. They gave the keys to the palace to Jay and they also were very very generous with the checkbook when Jay asked. (remember we had 3 of the top 10 paid playes in the league on our little ole payroll) I will feel much better with anyone steering the ship than Jay. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Much change needed and much help needed asap. Bear, you stop getting everyone stirred up with that crazy Vinny to Toronto scenario. But, if you are right and we get a bushel of players and cash and drafts for him. Oooooops I am starting to get excited about the Herschel Walker type trade. Toronto would be ideal, they have lots of money and a history of spending it foolishly. Anywho, the summer is about to really heat up for us Lightning fans. Can't wait to see the changes and the headlines being made!!!
One vote on Melrose from this old warrior. Are you fricking kidding me or what?? NO NO NO NO!!!!!

[Don in St. Pete]

Damien, Great post and thanks for throwing out there what has been obvious in everyone's mind. Achieving a bit of certainty and stability will help in our efforts to attract the best available free agents to fill our glaring needs. If as you suggest Koules is all but assured of being the new owner, then he needs to clear the air and get the team moving in a positive direction again. The uncertainty of the situation causes insecurity and skeptisism in the palyers and the fans. The sooner the air is cleared, the sooner we can move ahead. Which ever direction they choose, let's just get this over and move ahead.

[Another Joe]

If they want to make a coaching change(which i dont agree is needed) then it better not be for Melrose. Come on you only change coaches if you can upgrade, and Melrose is not an upgrade.

My 1st choice is keep Torts. If they make a change I say get R.Wilson or P. Burns. But Melrose?? No way? Thats why ive waited to renew my tickets to make sure this Melrose rumor isnt true.

And Vinny4 is committed to this team and city, no matter the owner or coach. Im not worried about him he will sign long term!

[The Voice of the Turtle]

Bear:

When one thinks about common decency and John Tortorella, one might remember the way he had treated Modine, Andreychuk and many other good Bolts. One could also recall his foul-mouthed tirades when strutting before the media. One could also use his final interfaces with Coach Ramsey and the classless things he said about some of his former players after they left the fold. Then one needs to consider that with the potential axe comes payment for the balance of his contract whether he works or not. Also, John's supporters might consider that decency may have something to do with him NOT blaming and publicly humiliating others for disappointing results when it is he who holds responsibility for them.

Bear, do you really think that Vincent Lecavalier is going to leave this franchise to stay connected with a guy like John Tortorella? Please, just think about that in the context of #4's connections with the Lightning and this community as the new owners want to set him up with a golden contract for what is likely to be the majority of the rest of his entire career.

One thing, though Bear: the idea of Torts relocating to a managerial clown town like Toronto may not be so crazy. Mr. Peddie and his know-nothing gang of executives have been blundering in overdrive since they took over the Leafs, and the hiring of Tortorella (and Feaster to complete the tandem, for that matter) would be consistent with the pertpetual failures resulting from their modus operandi. Perhaps they are haunted by the ghost of Harold Ballard.

[Bear]

there=Leafs

[bear]

Common decency would have Bolts letting Torts at least shop his services. Damien is right, Toronto or Ottawa would take him in a minute,( at considerable more money).

As I blogged 6 mo. ago I think Vinny goes there with him, but spare me the bombs