Anaheim needs to make a major improvement this season..
When the Anaheim Ducks hired Greg Cronin this offseason to take over as the new head coach for the team, they did so with the belief that he was the right man for the job. Anaheim searched all over the place for a head coach, and they landed on the veteran in Cronin.
Despite him not ever being a head coach, he does have plenty of experience working in the hockey world. He has had runs as an assistant coach in the NHL but now gets his chance to lead the team.
“After a long coaching career that’s seen him help launch the U.S. National Team Development Program and either be assistant or head coach for programs at the college and pro levels, the 60-year-old Cronin is a first-time NHL head coach. He’s coming off a successful run with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, leading winning clubs even when they weren’t loaded with the hottest prospects.”
Per Eric Stephens of The Athletic
Cronin is known as a developmental type of guy who tends to get the best out of his players. This is what the Ducks are banking on, as they want to take that next step in their rebuild.
But Cronin also is known for being a straight shooter, which can be great for veteran players. But sometimes younger guys will tune that type of leadership out, and the Ducks are filled with a ton of young, talented players.
After finishing the year with the worst record in the NHL, Anaheim really does have nowhere to go but up. But the question remains about whether or not Cronin will be able to get through to the guys.
“The Ducks have nowhere to go but up, but will they jump right on board with someone who’s big on details and development and won’t hesitate to be frank when criticism is warranted? Cronin’s history says he will demand that they play with structure.”
Per Eric Stephens of The Athletic
The Ducks new head coach will have the task of trying to get guys like Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, Mason McTavish, and others to fully buy-in. If he can do so, the Ducks should be in great shape. But if not, it could be another long year in Anaheim.
The front office believes in Cronin, so he gets the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. But the clock is ticking on the rebuild, and the Ducks don’t have too much time to waste any longer.