Dallas Eakins Likely To Coach Marlies
July 11th, 2009 by SteveTim Wharnsby of the Globe and Mail is predicting that the Leafs will soon announce that their current Director of Player Development, Dallas Eakins, will be named the head coach of the Toronto Marlies. Eakins has been around the Leafs in various capacities, ranging from player, to assitant coach with the Marlies and Leafs under Paul Maurice. When Maurice was let go, Eakins was kept on as Director of Player Development, and has spent a lot of time scouting and working with younger Leafs on adjusting to the pro game and lifestyle.
He played in the NHL, AHL, and IHL, playing over 1000 games in 16 seasons of pro hockey. He also played in the OHL as a junior for the Peterorough Petes. He was a very well respected player in the AHL and won 2 Calder Cups with the Chicago Wolves. He did bounce around a lot, and played for 9 different NHL organizations and 10 different AHL clubs… so he obviously knows the ins and outs of both the NHL and AHL at this point in his life.
In some ways the transition should be a smooth one as Eakins has been overseeing and directing the Leafs Prospect Camp that is currently underway, and has been in contact with most of the Leafs young prospects fairly regularly. In some senses, the continuity factor could be the main thing working in Eakins’ favour at this point.
It also doesn’t hurt that he seems to be doing a reasonable job with the players he has been working with. Only time will tell how he does at moulding young Marlies into solid Maple Leafs.
Posted in Announcements, Prospects
4 Responses to “Dallas Eakins Likely To Coach Marlies”
By Dan
on Jul 11, 2009
He sounds very capable. Lets see how this works out. I’m sure he’s on the same page as Wilson and knows what is expected of him.
From your comments, my only worries would be a pre-judgement of the players and being to friendly with the players to be able to kick their ass when needed….
By glgbill
on Jul 11, 2009
Having a coach on the same page with management is huge. Fairly or unfairly, it never seemed that Greg Gilbert was totally committed to player development, preferring to ice veterans to get wins. Best wishes to Dallas.
By Dan
on Jul 11, 2009
glgbill, you’re bang on. It’s a fine line for the coach of a minor league team to walk, but it’s all about getting you’re players into the majors that counts. If you’re sending them up, you’re winning that battle. If you develop the younger talent you will win as well.
Steve, keep on kickin’ it. Where is the indie music site?
By Steve
on Jul 11, 2009
http://www.indiemusicfilter.com
Though I haven’t posted anything in months, my friend Chris updates it daily. I’ll try to post about the music in August, when I have more time after Summer School ends.