NYR Coach Hunt `13

So we're in Day 1 of NYR Coach Hunt `13.  Yesterday,  Sather said they'd like to have someone in place by the draft.   This lead me to believe they had their eye on an assistant or other coach whose team was still playing, like Tony Granato (Pens) , Mike Babcock (Red Wings -he has an opt out he can use), or Geoff Ward (Bruins), rather than an available coach like Lindy Ruff or Alain Vigneault.

Today, Staple has tweeted that it could be a quick process and that Sather may already have someone in mind.   That would tend to rule out Granato and Ward, but Babcock is now available if he opts out.  The other sort of available candidate I'm interested in is Dallas Eakins of the Toronto Marlies.   He's a former Ranger and has been great with the young Leafs, and since we're bringing along a lot of kids for the foreseeable future he seems like a great fit.

In general, I'm looking for a fundamentally sound but creative guy, who is also a great teacher and an inspirational speaker.   I don't want a re-tread, but I also don't want a legend like Messier - though he is considered among the greatest leaders in sports history - he doesn't have any experience behind the bench.   Gretzky does, and he could be interesting, but I'd rather get Babcock, Eakins, Vigneault or someone ascendant who I haven't thought about.   Let's Go Rangers!