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What’s the top NHL head coaching opening this offseason?

By Dave Stevenson

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 16: John Torchetti, head coach of the Minnesota Wild gives instructions to his team on the bench against the Dallas Stars in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 16, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 16: John Torchetti, head coach of the Minnesota Wild gives instructions to his team on the bench against the Dallas Stars in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 16, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images /

Central Division. Western Conference. Colorado Avalanche. 5. player. 103.

While the Avalanche currently employ arguably the greatest goaltender of all-time in Patrick Roy as their head coach, they’d be very wise to explore the head coaching options that are currently available. It wouldn’t be surprising if they wound up firing Roy and going after somebody more proven. While a young head coach might make sense for the Avalanche, one has to think that they would want an experienced head coach considering that they hired an inexperienced one (at least at the NHL level) in Roy.

Why should the Avalanche move on from Roy? Because the team simply hasn’t improved much since they hired him. Yes, they did make the playoffs in his first year. But that has proven to be an anomaly led by goaltender Semyon Varlamov having a career season and often bailing the team out as they were often outshot. Looking at Colorado back when they hired Roy and looking at them now, they haven’t really improved. They’ve gone from a horrible team to a mediocre at best one, which isn’t too much of an improvement considering the talent on the roster.

Most Logical Fit: Mark Crawford. Crawford is an experienced head coach who deserves a second chance in the NHL. He’d be an upgrade over Roy and perhaps he can light a fire underneath the behinds of certain underperforming players.

Next: 4. Ottawa Senators

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