Dallas Eakins would’ve liked to be the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he understands the logic behind the team’s decision.
Thank you to the City of Toronto for your overwhelming support. Disappointed..yes.but if not me..no one better than myfriend Randy Carlyle
— Dallas Eakins (@dallaseakins) March 3, 2012
Eakins, who is said to be an up-and-comer throughout the coaching ranks, currently is the head coach for the North Division-leading Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. He has shown an impressive ability to develop young players and his squad is known for its team defence.
Leafs GM Brian Burke said during his press conference on Saturday that he considered Eakins for the position but felt the inexperienced coach wasn’t ready for the overwhelming Toronto media.
The Leafs went through a similar dilemma in 1996, when they had bright, young coaches such as Joel Quennenville and Marc Crawford in their system but decided to replace Pat Burns with his assistant, Mike Murphy.
Eakins admitted on Twitter Saturday that he was sad to see Ron Wilson go but he understands the nature of the cold business of the NHL.
I was able to thank @coachrw63 this morning. He was always good to me, open with information and ideas, he never held anything back.
— Dallas Eakins (@dallaseakins) March 3, 2012
I have been able to learn a lot from @coachrw63. Both..Working with him and watching from a far. Thanks again.
— Dallas Eakins (@dallaseakins) March 3, 2012
Burke was looking to add structure and a level of toughness to their team and Carlyle appeared to be a better fit for what Burke was looking for out of his head coach. He mentioned Crawford, Rob Zettler, Greg Cronin and Scott Gordon as the other candidates in the search.
The former journeyman NHLer spent time with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, Leafs, New York Islanders, and Calgary Flames during his 882-game career.
