Wind of Change - Rowe and Daniels Switch Positions

by Bob Wage on Jun 9, 2008 10:55 AM EDT

from CH.com

(photo from CH.com)

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that Albany Head Coach, Tom Rowe would be joining the Hurricanes staff in Raleigh, changing places with assistant coach Jeff Daniels, who will be taking Rowe's position as head coach for the River Rats.

This move makes good sense in that it should help both men to gain experience that they need to further their careers.

Daniels can now see what it's like to call all of the shots, even if it is at the AHL level. He's a true, blue, loyal company man and is sure to do whatever is asked of him by the parent club while he is in Albany.

I had a feeling that Tom Rowe was someone that Carolina management had an eye on during the unusual period of "estrangement" with head coach Peter Laviolette right after the season ended. Could this move bring Laviolette's possible successor right along side of him, putting even more pressure on the coach to perform successfully right from the start of the season?

Some fresh ideas can't hurt and I see this as a good move, but Peter Laviolette's hot seat just got a bit hotter.

The Scorpions

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Loved Daniels in “Dumb & Dumber.”

Original joke, I’m sure. Sorry.

by J.P. on Jun 9, 2008 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

When he stands behind the Albany bench wearing his light blue tux, then the Rats fans are REALLY in for a treat!

by Bubba on Jun 9, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

Bubba, I thought the exact same thing about Rowe during the “nothing has changed” period. I wondered why other coaches weren’t taking any heat…did Lavi even have a say in his assistants?

by Sunny on Jun 9, 2008 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

Bubba I think this is why Lavi has been so quiet lately. Rowe may be in place for Lavi’s position if he (Lavi) doesn’t produce us a playoff team this next season. I’m willing to bet Lavi will be shaking in his boots this next season. I hope Lavi and Rowe work well together, produce at least a playoff team and we can keep them both for a few seasons to come.

This is a good move for the Canes organization, I would have loved to have seen Wesley on the bench as a defensive coach.

I think this will actually be a blessing for Daniel to groom himself for a future NHL head coach position. This is his chance to prove himself too. GO Canes and Rats!

by Caroniac on Jun 9, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

Caroniac-

I agree, this is probably a good thing for everyone concerned except that it does put more pressure on Laviolette.

Sunny-

No, it doesn’t seem like Laviolette had much input in selecting any of his assistants. Although in my interview with Chris Huffine, Chris made it clear that while the other coaches had their own responsibilities, Laviolette called the shots within the coaching circle and made the final decisions.

by Bubba on Jun 10, 2008 12:18 AM EDT reply actions