from Eric Stephens of the OC Register,
Let’s get this out of the way when it comes to the Ducks, their desire to make a coaching change and the resulting search that’s in development mode – their dream candidate never did become available.
The search to replace Bruce Boudreau might have ended in short order had Claude Julien been set free from Boston. But that never became a possibility when the playoff-absent Bruins brought back the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning coach for a 10th season.
Besides, the Ducks would have had to hope Julien would not have wanted to jump right into Ottawa’s opening behind the bench and surveyed the NHL landscape. So it was a pipe dream.
In the present, the Ducks are doing what General Manager Bob Murray said he’d do during his April 29 news conference to address letting Boudreau go after five seasons. They’re going to take their time.
The fact that Minnesota quickly snapped up Boudreau and Ottawa grabbed Guy Boucher when Boudreau opted for the Wild doesn’t faze Murray. Remaining assistants Paul MacLean and Trent Yawney are very much on the Ducks’ list and conversations have been had with both.
It isn’t clear if either MacLean or Yawney has had a formal interview. But it does appear clear that Murray is set on looking at some options outside the organization, with the likely goal of having a new coach in place by next month’s entry draft.
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