from Eric Stephens of the OC Register,

It is a big decision. The Ducks are an interesting blend of veteran leaders approaching or at the edge of their prime years and younger performers at key positions nearing theirs. This isn’t a growing team in a “plan-to-win-big-later” phase. They’re in “it’s-time-to-win-now” phase.

Being able to push this group fronted by the over-30 troika of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler is a central part of the job description. Holding grinders and headliners equally accountable is another. So is extracting higher levels of work out of the next wave of leaders and getting meaningful contributions from the most talented prospects.

And there is the tactical stuff. Going forward, who can match wits in the biggest of games with the Kings’ Darryl Sutter or San Jose’s Peter DeBoer, who got the Sharks to their first Cup Final? Or Nashville’s Peter Laviolette and Chicago’s Joel Quenneville, if it comes to that? Boudreau won a lot but putting the right people on the ice at the right times in those must-win contests he lost remains a criticism of his time in Anaheim.

Murray can’t hire Jon Cooper but the way he talked glowingly about Tampa Bay’s coach, he wouldn’t mind finding another like him. Travis Green, a leading candidate, fits closer to that profile and has 970 NHL games that give him added cachet among those he’ll guide....

But is he the right fit for these Ducks at this time? Or is it Carlyle, the Cup winner who’s under strong consideration for another turn to pull off what he did in 2007. He fits the mold of the old hand who’ll ruffle the feathers of his players if it means getting the most out of them.

As assistants, Paul MacLean and Trent Yawney know this team but the longer Murray goes, the more you wonder if they’re really in the mix. And with the assistant coaching shuffle going on around the league, Murray will likely whittle down his list so those who’ve interviewed can go after openings elsewhere. Mike Yeo, formerly of Minnesota, fits that scenario if he’s not the one.

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