The unprecedented change that greeted the return of NHL hockey last September has slowed a tad, but as training camps across North America open for the League’s 30 teams today, there are still plenty of familiar faces in new places. Change is always part and parcel of sports and the NHL is no different in 2006-07.
Eight coaches will be holding camp with new teams. Paul Maurice has replaced Pat Quinn with the Maple Leafs, Guy Carbonneau is the new bench boss in Montreal, replacing Bob Gainey, who stepped aside to resume his general manager position. Ditto Lou Lamoriello, who dropped coach from his crowded resume and hired Claude Julien to coach. In Calgary, Darryl Sutter is now strictly the GM, with Jim Playfair the new coach. Dave Lewis takes over in Boston, Marc Crawford in Los Angeles, Alain Vigneault in Vancouver, and Ted Nolan will be coaching the New York Islanders.
