The Devils developmental camp has gotten underway and it would make perfect sense for a coach to be named this week, however, it won't happen this week. Lamoriello used the same reason as he did for the draft and free agency, you do not need a coach. However, he did say that it won't be long before the team has one, but how long is it won't be long? What might be the hold up, well the Devils had nearly 3 months to hire a coach before now, but the current hold up is they have to sign their top pick in this draft Adam Larsson to a contract and have until Friday to sign him or else he will have to play 2011-2012 in Sweden unless the Devils pay $100,000 by August 15th or he definitely will have to spend 2011-2012 in Sweden based on the NHL-IIHF Transfer Agreement.
Also, keep in mind that the new coach will possibly be a deciding factor in whether or not Parise stays with Devils long-term. His arbitration hearing is August 3rd, so it seems the Devils will need a new coach by the latest two weeks prior to that hearing to buy time to negotiate a deal and avoid arbitration. Parise is open to signing a 1 year deal to avoid arbitration which could improve the Devils chances of signing him long-term even if he does become unrestricted in 2012 as oppose to hurting them if he goes to arbitration. Arbitration usually hurts the player and GM relationships. That means the Devils will need to have a coach in place by next Wednesday July 20th. So, Devils fans will have to wait at least 7-10 days for that.
Meanwhile, former two time Devils coach and current assistant for the moment Larry Robinson is running the show at Devils prospects camp along with current assistant at the moment Adam Oates, part-time assistant Scott Stevens, goaltending coaches Chris Terreri and Jacques Caron, and minor league coaches Rick Kowalsky, Tommy Albelin and Kevin Dean as well as special guest coach and former fan favorite Sergei Brylin, who plays in the KHL. Lamoriello has insisted that Robinson is only running the developmental camp, but would not discuss if he is also a candidate to get back behind the bench for a 3rd stint with New Jersey. Maybe the camp this week is a test to see if he is capable of returning behind the bench. Do not be shocked if he does give it another go, but its highly unlikely. Both Oates and Robinson could be demoted to Special Assignment Coaches if the new coach decides not to keep them around. We shall see.
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