New Faces Behind The Bench – Which New Bench Boss Will Make The Biggest Impact?

Edmonton Oilers

OUT:  Ralph Kruger

IN:  Dallas Eakins

The Oilers are now on their 4th coach in the last 5 seasons, never a good thing for the stability of a young franchise.  After giving Ralph Krueger only 48 games to make an impact before dismissing him, they went again for a first time NHL coach.  Unlike Roy, however, Eakins has spent 3 seasons as an NHL assistant followed by 4 seasons as a head coach in the AHL.  He is a big reason for the development of some of the Maple Leafs’ young players such as Jake Gardiner and Nazem Kadri, and the Oilers hope his attention to detail will provide the young squad with the structure that will help them get back to the playoffs.