A couple of interesting quotes and links to pass on as Mike Gillis is looking for a new bench boss.
First of all, according to the Toronto Star:
The Vancouver Canucks are asking about Dallas Eakins.
Eakins is widely viewed as a prime NHL coaching prospect after four seasons behind the bench with the Marlies, helping develop such NHL talent as Nazem Kadri, James Reimer and Jake Gardiner. He has been the Marlies head coach since 2009 and has two years left on a three-year AHL deal that includes a clause allowing him to consider NHL opportunities this summer.
The Canucks have requested permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs to talk to Eakins, head coach of the Marlies, about their job opening, according to Hockey Night in Canada.
Link to that article by Kevin McGran.
Today, TSN's Darren Dreger reports that the Dallas Stars will be talking to Alain Vigneault, and that the Canucks will be interviewing recently terminated Stars coach Glen Gulutzan, who compiled a 64-57-9 record in his first NHL stint as coach.
Jason Botchford reported recently that former Buffalo Sabres' head coach Lindy Ruff is not in the mix. (But he is on Dallas' radar.) He also stresses that Mike Gillis is going to be very patient in his search. Would he wait until after the NHL Entry Draft on June 30? I hope not. I would like to see a new coach in place that can meet the new guys as they are picked.
Also from Botchford: the Canucks are not planning on using the compliance buyout route for David Booth.