[vincesanity82]

Thirteen years after he was dismissed as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, Barry Melrose is going to get another kick at the can as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Damien Cox of the Toronto Star has the skinny:

It's believed new Tampa owner Oren Koules is the driving force behind the hiring of Melrose, who led the Los Angeles Kings to the the 1993 Stanley Cup final against Montreal. In recent years, the Kelvington, Sask. native has been a featured analyst on ESPN.

Koules, once partnered with former Columbus president Doug MacLean to buy the Lightning before that collaboration broke up, is looking for a marquee name to help sell and market the club in central Florida. Tampa, which won the 2004 Stanley Cup, missed the playoffs this year.

Melrose's hiring will surprise many NHL watchers, as will his salary, expected to be about $2 million per season.

Barry Melrose to Coach Tampa Bay - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[Lefty Noob]

Why in the world would he leave TV for the pressures of coaching? I don't get it.

[blueandwhite]

The funny thing is, the firing of Tortorella did not happen officially until yesterday, June the 3rd.

[blueandwhite]

It's almost official - they are set to announce their new coach.
Press conference today.
New buyers also say there is no intention of moving TB out of TB - they are staying put.
Most recent decisions have them reaching an agreement with Vinny Prospal on a four-year deal that will reunite him with St Louis and Lacavalier.
TB acquired the rights to Prospal from Philadelphia last week-contract hasn't been signed yet because Prospal is back home in the Czech Republic.

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, ESPN broke the news yesterday. Hmm... wonder how they found out? Oh yeah, maybe Barry put in his two-week notice! At any rate, I'm not completely sold on this hire for them. He's been out of coaching for a while and he didn't exactly set the world on fire back when he was coaching.

[vincesanity82]

I always though the guy was annoying on ESPN..dont really have a particular reason just never liked him too much, maybe he can still coach though..

[blueandwhite]

he had initial sparks with LA and then went BOOM.
On wikipedia they are already saying he is TB's head coach - hockey's worst kept secret.

[Neopet_girl_2]

He is old looking and he needs a haircut! And the way he combs his hair doesn't really work well for him. I think he needs like a fashion make over. I mean its Tampa and he is going to represent us down here! So the hair has to go!

[blueandwhite]

Yeah like Tortorella was a fashion plate.

[Neopet_girl_2]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

Yeah like Tortorella was a fashion plate.

See. I am gald you understand! After Tortorella we need a new look. I am thinking we need Patrick Dempsey right?

[blueandwhite]

Paul maurice had it going on. he's available if you want to suggest a last minute switch.
I like my coaches like Carbonneau - French and stylish.

[Neopet_girl_2]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

Paul maurice had it going on. he's available if you want to suggest a last minute switch.
I like my coaches like Carbonneau - French and stylish.

Cool you got taste! I looked up the Carbonneau guy. Hockey and good taste can mix you know! Doesn't have to be about guys with bad haircuts and missing teeth all the time!