The New Jersey Devils' Top Three Coaching Options

Now that former Devils and Wild coach Jacques Lemaire has retired, the New Jersey Devils find themselves looking for a new coach.

In the last 2 seasons the Devils coaches have been Brent Sutter and Jacques Lemaire who both coach a defensive game. Both coaches had great regular seasons and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Also, Jacques Lemaire missed the playoffs before he came to New Jersey. As for Brent Sutter he missed the playoffs the year after the Devils fired him.

Don't get me wrong defense is important but should it really be the main focus for NHL teams? To see if defense is really the way to go lets look at the remaining teams in the playoffs.

Chicago is a team that is offensive minded but takes pride in defense as well.

San Jose is a team that is offensive minded for the most part, but has a great 4th line to shutdown their opponents top line.

Philadelphia is a offensive minded team who have a great 4th line to shutdown their opponents top line.

Boston is a very physical and defensive minded team who scores timely goals and is very good at defending a lead.

Montreal is a small offensive minded team that leans on Hal Gill and Josh Gorges and Jaroslav Halak to keep them in games.

So as you can see, only one team remaining in the playoffs is a defense first minded team but they are a more physical team then the New Jersey Devils.

Here are my top three picks as to who should become the next coach for the New Jersey Devils:

1. Craig Mactavish

Pros:

A lot of experience, lets offensive players have a leash

2. John MacLean

Pros:

Good motivator, knows the system and players well

3. Guy Carbonneau

Pros:

A lot of experience, offensive minded, knows how to win

In my mind any of these coaches would be good options to take over as the next Devils coach and think a little less defense a little more offense.

I would love to hear your thoughts on who should be the next Devils coach so feel free to comment.