Not even a week after the NHL’s first coaching casualty we have another one. But this one was self inflicted, and a surprise unlike the firing of Ed Olczyk. Larry Robinson, on his second tour of duty as coach of the New Jersey Devils, has stepped down. From what this ARTICLE says he has been suffering from headaches and other health issues. He has had tests and the doctors believe these symptoms are stress related. Robinson had replaced Pat Burns who had stepped down due to be diagnosed with cancer.
As the article says, there is no word on who will replace him. The team’s assistant coaches are currently Jacques Laperriere and John MacLean. Laperriere has been an assistant coach in the NHL for numerous years, and a part of upper management with the Canadiens in the 80’s, but has never been a head coach. My bet is that he will be given the job. MacLean is only four years removed from his playing days, though all of those have been spent as an assistant coach for the Devils, and I don’t believe anyone else is really available that the Devils would have faith in. Most of Laperriere’s days as an assistant were under Pat Burns. You are bound to learn a few good things from a coach that has won the Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year) three times.
Best of luck to Larry Robinson and his health concerns.
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