Last night was the Mark Stone show and that is exactly what Vegas needed to overshadow the coaching change. The Vegas Golden Knights relieved Gerard Gallant and Mike Kelly of their coaching duties on Wednesday Jan 15th. Just two weeks into the new year following a four game losing streak the first head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights has been canned. One point out of a playoff spot and three points behind the leader of the division, the front office felt a change was imminent. Unfortunately, Gallant was sent packing while Peter DeBoer was hired immediately, but why? The NHL has been cut throat for coaches this season as this is the seventh head coaching change. (Including DeBoer) Of all the seven coaches fired this season why would Vegas hire DeBoer? DeBoer has never been hired mid season and is the second head coach landing a new gig (John Hynes – Nashville Predators). The former head coach of the San Jose Sharks should know the Golden Knights very well considering their past. “I’ve probably seen the Vegas Golden Knights more in the past two and half years than I’ve seen my wife and kids.” DeBoer has coached the Sharks in 23 games against the Golden Knights 13 of those were in the playoffs.
Just because someone is available does not make them the right fit for the job. I understand this is a business and many times when a coach is fired someone within the organization is made intern head coach. Why wasn’t this the case? (Mike Sullivan and Craig Berube just to name a few head coaches who were hired within their organizations) Gerard Gallant won’t be without a job long as many people are already speculating he will be hired in Seattle. It’s hard to believe Vegas would fire Gallant after he was named a head coach in this year’s All-Star game. Is he still eligible? If not John Scott is available. Rick Tocchet will coach the Pacific Division but it would be cool to see John Scott behind the bench in a suit.
The Morning Skate 
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