No Bruce Boudreau? Okay, so who is left?

So the Minnesota Wild have legitimately upgraded by hiring Bruce Boudreau, the hottest free agent of the coaching world. Which inevitably means the Calgary Flames will be looking elsewhere for the vacancy that Bob Hartley once filled.

We’ve spoke at length previously about candidates who could fill the void left by Hartley, many of which are ideal for the state of this hockey team as they move forward and grow. And no, the likelihood of Randy Carlyle actually coming to Calgary to coach this team goes against everything Treliving has indicated previously.

Well, for starters Brad Treliving is over with Team Canada at the World Championships. There was never really any indication or evidence to support Boudreau being interviewed for the job, which became clear a few days ago. Plus, when you look at Minnesota, relative to where Calgary is with their team, it’s obvious they’re closer to making a push (even with their dreadful salary cap) than Calgary.

Something that cannot be overlooked as Boudreau is still chasing his first Stanley Cup.

Besides Minnesota, it was reported Ottawa did express interest in what the former Ducks coach could bring. The factor behind Ottawa not signing Boudreau? Term. Which inevitably brings up the second point which may have been a reason why it wasn’t going to happen for the Flames: salary. 

As the Mike Babcock era in Toronto ushered in a new age of sorts for the franchise, it also opened up the doors of seeing coaches command more money:

With Boudreau off the table, other names – names not previously mentioned – have started coming up by others. But still, there remains quite a bit of talent out there, many of which without NHL experience or tenured NHL level expertise that the Flames are apparently comfortable with.

Besides the obvious names, last night Elliotte Friedman mentioned Vancouver Canucks’ assistant Glen Gulutzan. Treliving and Gulutzan played together in Brandon (WHL) years ago. Travis Green‘s name came up recently, who is currently the Utica Comets’ head coach.

Beyond that, going somewhat off the board, you can presume that the numerous connections the Flames’ staff has to Hockey Canada could see them pursue, or at the very least interview, a name from there. Someone like Steve Spott – currently an assistant in San Jose – has coached four separate Team Canada teams in the past for Brad Pascall, and could get a look.

Additionally, it’s in the realm of possibilities if Darryl Sutter doesn’t return to the Kings, and does decide to keep coaching, that a return to the Flames could happen. 

A quick poll of the staff at FlamesNation to get an idea of personal preferences seems to point at two options which could be suitable options for this team moving forward:

Ari: Travis Green (Utica, AHL)

Ryan: Kevin Dineen (Blackhawks, NHL)

Christian T: Kevin Dineen

Christian R: John Stevens (Kings, NHL)

Mike: Travis Green

The major caveat on Christian Roatis’ choice being IF Sutter doesn’t return to Los Angeles it’s all too likely that John Stevens assumes the role that has been groomed for him.

The opportunity to land Travis Green would be an interesting and enjoyable situation. It would be a blow to Vancouver for their organization, given the praise Green has received over the last few years. The other side of it would be getting a younger coach, who has been know to work well with veterans and youth to grow with this team.

In the end, as previously established, Treliving has calmed the fan base by providing reassurance in logical and thoughtful messages. The agenda of this team speaks well to adapting to progressive thinking that can be a huge benefit moving forward. 

Even if Randy Carlyle is being interviewed, it doesn’t mean he’s a suitable option so fans should quell their incited rage that the team will jeopardize everything for a coach who is among the league’s worst options.