from the Arizona Republic:

Coach Wayne Gretzky said Tuesday that he hopes associate coach Barry Smith does not pursue becoming the head coach of a Russian Elite League team and stays with the Coyotes beyond this season.
Smith confirmed recent Russian reports that stated a struggling St. Petersburg-based club made initial contact with him about possibly becoming its next head coach, but Smith said he isn’t negotiating with the team.
“I’m not trying to leave here by any means whatsoever,” Smith said. “They just made contact, which is nice.”

“I’ve talked to Barry at length and explained to him his importance to me and the organization,” Gretzky said. “I think it’s something he’s going to think about at the end of the year, but right now he’s definitely leaning towards coming back.”

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There’s a beauty quote of Barry discussing his acerbic style in the story…