New Jersey Devils: 5 College Coaches Who Could Be Head Coach
By Nick Villano
Nate Leaman – Providence College
It sounds like Nate Leaman is committed to staying away from the NHL next season. He’s already committed to coaching the Team USA Juniors team at the World Junior Championship. Leaman also won the national championship in 2015. They also made the Frozen Four this past season, so he’s still got a great team under his belt.
So, not only would Leaman have to leave his college players on an off year, but he would be leaving the chance to represent his country. That may be a proposition that’s hard to pass up, but NHL head coaching opportunities don’t open up for those not in the boy’s club.
Providence College is another program doing really well with scoring margin. He’s coached Devils prospect Patrick Moynihan to a 21 point season. The one thing he brings that the Devils would love is he’s structured. After a year where John Hynes seemed to change his lines on the daily, a little consistency might be what this team needs.
Next. 5 Current Head Coaches To Keep An Eye On. dark
Last season, Leaman apparently interviewed for the head coaching position of the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres. He’s clearly thinking at least in passing of a head coaching job at the highest level. Even with the commitment to USA Hockey, he can be had for the right price. Honestly, that price might just be “a job in the NHL”.