A Lousy End

Wayne Gretzky deserved to end his coaching tenure with the Phoenix Coyotes like every other man to assume the position behind an NHL bench.

You know, fired. Dismissed. Have the team claim it's going in a different direction, or say it wants somebody who can work with young players. Or old players. Or can make the team fitter. Or understands how to win in the playoffs. Or can be a communicator. Or will shut down the country club atmosphere.

Whatever. Gretzky deserved to go out on his shield. In sport, there is sometimes honour in getting the axe.

But that appears not to be the way in which its going to go down for The Great One in Phoenix, and if you take stock in online polling, the remaining hockey fans there don't mind. Asked by azcentral.com if they wanted to see Gretzky back as coach, 83 per cent responded, "No."

Ouch.

Gretzky hasn't been at the Coyotes camp for 10 days, although its unclear whether he's been told to stay away or is boycotting the proceedings for legal or personal reasons. A Coyotes spokesman did tell the Arizona Republic yesterday that Gretzky is receiving his coaching salary, but just isn't working.

Gotta get me one of them jobs.

Theoretically, he could still come back to his old job, and when it comes to the Coyotes and their disastrous bankruptcy situation, it's wise to never rule out any possibility. Punch Imlach twice handed the coaching reins over to King Clancy for health reasons and twice returned to run the Leafs, you may remember.

But it sure looks like the hockey team has moved on, with decisions being made that would normally involve the head coach. Dave King was brought in yesterday as an assistant to associate head coach Ulf Samuelsson, while Sean Burke replaced Grant Fuhr as goaltending coach. Kyle Turris, the third pick of the 2007 entry draft, was demoted to San Antonio, surely another warning to all teams about the dangers of rushing youngsters to the big leagues.

The Coyotes are on the road now after drawing an estimated 2,000 fans to their Sept. 15 home opener, and still no sign of either Gretzky or a resolution in the team's ownership spat, with an emergency meeting scheduled for today.

It's pretty clear the treatment of Gretzky throughout this ordeal has been dreadful, and to some degree, it's the NHL that has allowed it to happen. Nobody wants to honour the contract he signed in good faith, and now he's been left hanging while the haggling continues.

No, he's not the best coach in NHL history. But last winter, when the Yotes were fifth in the conference around the NHL all-star game, he sure looked like he was learning.

Assuming his coaching days in Phoenix are over, however, right now its hard to imagine what his next step will be in the game he loves.

Comments

[Akman]

Gretzky is not so great here. He is hired to be the coach and he should be there at the camp. I am sure he has lost the trust of his players. Gretzky, you were a great player but a lousy coach. However, I would love to see you as NHL commissioner!

[LaffyTaffy]

Looks good on The Greedy One (tm) in my view. Given he has nothing but time (and money) on his hands, I suppose all this means is we'll see a whack of rah-rah-Canada TV ads starring Wayne, the greatest American hero.

[Sean Kaye]

It is very frustrating to watch what this idiot Bettman is doing to the NHL. I find it hard to imagine that the league could be run any worse than by this guy. The NHL should have stepped in right away and guaranteed that guy's contract and his job, no matter the outcome of the bankruptcy hearings - that would have been the classiest thing to do for the best player ever to play the game. I mean, the NHL obviously has money to splash around - its got $140m or so to buy the Yotes, it is going to have to front some money to keep the Lightning alive this year I'd guess and who knows what might pop up in Nashville, Atlanta or even Long Island.

I find it whimsical that Gretzky could be deemed overpaid at $8m/yr and Bettman earns something like $7.5m. Who would I rather have associated with the NHL for $7.5m or $8m? Easy choice.

[Gary]

Seems pretty clear his days there are numbered. But do you think he has a shot to coach again? With so many "veteran" coaches already on the sidelines without work - does Gretz ever get the opportunity again?

[2nd Guess]

I can't believe Gretzky simply decided to stay away because of the uncertainty surrounding his future -- say it ain't so, Wayne (say anything, for that matter). If I have a contract for $8 mil a year, I do everything I can to honour my commitments until I'm told definitively that it's over. If the Coyotes have terminated him -- or suspended, or whatever -- they should have the decency to say so. The indecision doesn't benefit anyone.

This franchise has become a sorry mess, from top to bottom. Given that they're on borrowed time in Phoenix, they'll be lucky to draw 5,000 a game this season.

[WastedPotential]

Let's keep a little perspective on this. There are millions of Canadians without jobs or with jobs that are dangling by threads whose dignities need a little more attention. Wayne Gretzky has been generously paid to be simultaneously a mediocre NHL coach, front person and protected equity holder for the Phoenix Coyotes. And quite frankly, he did more damage to his dignity (and his wife's) on his own with a gambling controversy involving obscene amounts of money.

[bobbyshow]

Wow! 83 per cent of Coyotes' fans. What that, like, 17 people?

[m d'ailleurs]

Hmmm, I wonder if Wayne would consider a consultant or front office position with the Leafs,I think I remember at one time he had asked to finish his career with Toronto and the morons in charge said no( he ended up going to NY). I think you can say one thing about hockey fans in Toronto , we recognize and honor greatness even if it plays for the opposing team( we're not Just T.O. and only T.O). If Wayne was talking hockey, I think I'd listen. Funny , I say WE but I live in Quebec, but a Leaf fan, nonetheless. Montreal smurfs-that's funny.

[Neil]

Given the NHL's dubious theory that the Coyotes may yet be financially viable if they can only make the playoffs and win a round.I think the Coyotes should bring in a coach with a proven track record of making the playoffs.

[Jason]

That was the home PRESEASON opener, you know, right?

[Mark]

As a Canadian Hockey fan, I know exactly where I was when Gretzky was traded. It remains to this day a point in time that hockey fans share together.

I live in Phoenix now and am heading in to my 3rd year as a STH with the team. I loved that Gretzky was our coach. I really believe that the system developed last season worked when it didn't fall apart due to inconsistencies caused by having a young team.

The real issue about Gretzky is, how much longer do you wait? The old rule about 3 years for a head coach to prove himself is behind us. He hasn't gotten us to the playoffs. He couldn't prevent the train from coming off the tracks last year. While our team stats haven't been terrible our PP has been consistently one of the worst in the league. If any other coach performed like this he would be removed. Paul Maurice got less time than this in Toronto and he's a great coach with a tons of heart. My opinion of Gretzky is he may develop into a great coach, however his current system doesn't seem to be working for the Coyotes roster and it's easier to change 1 person than it is to change 23 players in the salary cap era. The 8 million dollar contract doesn't help the cause at all. He's probably worth 8 million but Phoenix is a little cash poor right now.

[Warren S]

I think Gretzky would have done much better if he had started off coaching a team that was not on the bottom of the talent pool. A team like Phoenix should have been coached/ re-built by somebody out of the minors. Somebody who has worked with all of the younger guys and develop a team.

Gretzky, with the exception of his days in St.Louis always played on teams that were talented. Partly because he was the "talent" but also becuase they had good players to compliment his skills. The game was easy for him. It is not easy coaching a team without talent.

I think he would make a better GM than a coach...

[Matt]

While I agree that maybe the Yotes should end Gretzky's employment at this point, the fact that they have not done so yet is reason enough to allow him to continue collecting his paycheck while staying away. Additionally, can anyone really fault him for opting to stay away from the bench during this bankruptcy circus which has, whether justified or not, effectively dragged his name through the mud?

[Luke]

Hi Damien,

Wayne is still a minority owner of the Coyotes, is he not? Perhaps this vetted interest is part of the reason he is staying clear of the team.

[jason chapman]

I would like to have seen Gretzky stay with Hockey Canada, but coaching is what he wants to do, so he should be there. I am sure he is embarrassed by what is happening as well. Great player, always a class act, I am sure there is much more going on behind the scenes. Hopefully, they get it straightened out soon.

[Michael]

Damian Cox,

I just wanna let you know as a Phoenix resident, I applaud you for maintaining a support for the idea of growing the sport in a non-traditional market. I hope this whole ordeal wakes the NHL up and makes them consider a 31st team in Canada because Canada rightfully could support another hockey team, but it's been the embarrassingly bad mismanagement of this franchise's affairs that's hindered the development of hockey in the desert; not a lack of genuine interest.

I'm embarrassed for Wayne that this is how he has to go out. It's unfortunate for a hockey legend to have his legacy go out like this. I'd like to see him remain in the organization (albeit in a different capacity, maybe even going to San Antonio himself for a minute) but the whole thing about not going public with anything, even a simple statement, has rubbed the loyal fans the wrong way.

I'll be happy if the team stays here beyond this season. But given how Moyes and Balsille have launched campaigns to get the team outta Phoenix and how Bettman has only agreed to operate the team for a season, there's been a lot of damage done that's alienated local and corporate fans from providing support. Granted I still became a STH in light of everything but I'm also an optimist in a land of pessimists. We'll see how this turns out.

Go hockey!

[Mark]

Gretzky's contract is in the air due to the bankruptcy proceedings. His contract was technically a personal services contract with Moyes himself not the team. Moyes attempted to roll it into the Coyotes books two days before bankruptcy. The NHL is disputing that the contract is part of the team, and therefore would not be benefited in court by using his services. In the end, as far as hockey decisions go this wasn't a bad one. Phoenix needs to do something to shake things up in the room and Wayne was not having much luck.

I had hoped that we would pick up Dave Tippett but Ulfie will do just fine.

[other mark]

I agree with you Damien. Whomever is running this team (?) should put Wayne out of his misery. That being said, any reason why you were compelled to stand on your soap box again re: young players rushed to the NHL? Didn't work for Kyle Turis. Okay. Worked out fine for Luke Shen. It must grate you when faced with this fact because you were on a tirade last year at this time. The point is, each case is individual. No point in interjecting your opinion on this topic in just about every hockey blog you write. Give it up.

[Will]

Kudos ont he article Damien.

~W

[J.Collison]

@ jason chapman

"Damian Cox,

I just wanna let you know as a Phoenix resident, I applaud you for maintaining a support for the idea of growing the sport in a non-traditional market. I hope this whole ordeal wakes the NHL up and makes them consider a 31st team in Canada because Canada rightfully could support another hockey team, but it's been the embarrassingly bad mismanagement of this franchise's affairs that's hindered the development of hockey in the desert; not a lack of genuine interest.

I'm embarrassed for Wayne that this is how he has to go out. It's unfortunate for a hockey legend to have his legacy go out like this. I'd like to see him remain in the organization (albeit in a different capacity, maybe even going to San Antonio himself for a minute) but the whole thing about not going public with anything, even a simple statement, has rubbed the loyal fans the wrong way.

I'll be happy if the team stays here beyond this season. But given how Moyes and Balsille have launched campaigns to get the team outta Phoenix and how Bettman has only agreed to operate the team for a season, there's been a lot of damage done that's alienated local and corporate fans from providing support. Granted I still became a STH in light of everything but I'm also an optimist in a land of pessimists. We'll see how this turns out.

Go hockey!"

Jason, it really is unfortunate that there is not many more dedicated hockey fans such as yourself that support Pheonix. I do agree that the team was mismanaged from the beginning, and that certainly helped contribute to the current situation the franchise finds itself in. In no way though, can the NHL organization and its commissioner sidestep the issue of responsability, as they have been trying so vehemently to do since this was dragged before the U.S. court system. A responsible commissioner would have intervened a long time ago, as any good franchisor would do if one of it's franchisees was bleeding out. There is absolutely no excuse for the NHL to constantly bombard the media and fans of the league with mistruths about a franchise as they have with Pheonix over the last ten years. Mr. Balsillie may not be the best choice as an owner, but in his efforts to become one he has certainly brought to light the motivating forces that drive both the board of governors, and the commissioner. Greed and personal vendettas...

[Billy]

Dave King is a good pick up for the Coyotes, proven winner and good coach, Gretz horrible coach. Another other coach would have gotten fired a long time ago, and there is no winning coach that makes anywhere near 8 mil a yr. Tippet would be a good choise as head coach for the Yotes. Wayne has made himself a joke now with his antics,he never did anything at the practices anyway, he just stood around and blew his whistle a few times while Ulf and when Toc was here ran the practice. He is part of the reason the team is in this mess.

[Thane]

Gretzky dragged his own name through the mud. Rather than staying out of it, he decided to become Bettmans voice-box lapdog. He's sullied his name now, and instead of simply being remembered as the greatest hockey player ever (although I'd still take Lemieux if I could only have one of them for one game), he'll be remembered as the greatest hockey player ever - who also sold out Canada.

Not showing up for work (or even explaining why he's not) just makes it worse - it makes him look like he is only in it for number 99.

[Christian0317]

how does Wayne Gretzky, new President of the Hamilton Steelers sound?

if i was Mr. B i would go and target Wayne for a number of reasons, although i highly doubt he wants to leave sunny LA.

[Robert Bates]

Bobcat Bob comments:
Listening to Pierre McGuire trash the Habs last night even as they were beating the real Penguins - now the Maple Laughs are losing to Pittsburg B team and he describes the Leafs in glowing terms. Boy oh Boy this little suckhole really wants an NHL job ( but no one in their right mind would give him one).Still with Burke's massive ego--who knows. His view of hockey must be rather limited with his head so far up Burke's ass.LOL

[john sanford]

and just think, Hamilton ON is so close to his Dad; time to rename Highway 403 in the area whether Basille will keep him in the move or not!