Having two head coaches on the Oilers bench didn't work, but that doesn't mean Tom Renney helped push Pat Quinn out of the way.
Quinn's legacy as an NHL head coach won't be tarnished by this move - he's far too respected for that - but the rigors of the job, at times, seemed to be too much for the 67-year-old according to sources close to the team.
Quinn doesn't own the disappointment the organization suffered through last season, but he deserves his share, hence the need for change.
Renney understood the Oilers succession plan and knew his time would come, but he wasn't willing to take control a year early without Quinn's blessing which came Monday night.
Quinn's role will be similar to the role Scotty Bowman serves with the Chicago Blackhawks. He'll be used by both general manager Steve Tambellini and Tom Renney as a management and coaching resource.
Prelude to another deal?
By landing Nathan Horton, the Boston Bruins had to punch a hole in their blueline by including defenceman Dennis Wideman in the deal with the Florida Panthers. This move has sparked speculation that the Bruins may not be done - and some believe Boston may now zero in on Toronto's Tomas Kaberle.
Now Leafs GM Brian Burke and Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli thought they had a trade involving Kaberle and Phil Kessel at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, but the deal was scuttled over confusion as to whether or not draft picks would be included.
Burke has publicly stated he wants a scoring winger as compensation for Kaberle, but according to league sources, star centre Marc Savard is available.
Boston and Toronto have yet to re-open talks involving Kaberle, but it's likely the Bruins will express interest and if Savard is in play, why wouldn't the Maple Leafs consider reuniting him with Phil Kessel?
