Jacques Martin's extension
I wondered last week what happened to Martin's extension which was supposedly all wrapped up a month ago. Yesterday, Bruce "The Rumour" Garrioch wrote, "Expect the Senators to announce a contract extension for coach Jacques Martin this week. It's believed the two sides have a verbal agreement on a new deal. There has been speculation the deal, which was first reported by the Sun, hasn't been made public because of the club's struggles, but that's not the case ... "
A verbal agreement? After this long? And what, then, is the real reason for the deal not being made public???
A situation like this is very difficult. Everyone is aware of the "lame duck" problem when a coach is on the final year of his contract. Players don't pay as much attention to the coach that they believe isn't supported by management - details like defensive positioning and assignments aren't respected if the coach that is delivering those plans isn't.
However, giving Martin the big $$$ might not be in the best interest of the team. The organization must be ready to change direction should the team not advance this year. Muckler and Melnyk both have stated the goal this year is the final and failure to do so would land squarely on Jacques. Giving him a multi-year extension for millions per year isn't a good idea if you are considering that he's not going to be here next year especially considering the Senators budget. There is also the small matter of the lockout - and having to pay him even if there is no season. There are good reasons for waiting until the end of the season to decide on the coach.
The other option - Muckler and media insiders insist that Martin will not be fired - but aren't those types of statements like the kiss of death?
Check out Colby Cosh's article on Marc-Andre Fleury. He also brings up some criticisms of Cherry similar to what I wrote last week.
A verbal agreement? After this long? And what, then, is the real reason for the deal not being made public???
A situation like this is very difficult. Everyone is aware of the "lame duck" problem when a coach is on the final year of his contract. Players don't pay as much attention to the coach that they believe isn't supported by management - details like defensive positioning and assignments aren't respected if the coach that is delivering those plans isn't.
However, giving Martin the big $$$ might not be in the best interest of the team. The organization must be ready to change direction should the team not advance this year. Muckler and Melnyk both have stated the goal this year is the final and failure to do so would land squarely on Jacques. Giving him a multi-year extension for millions per year isn't a good idea if you are considering that he's not going to be here next year especially considering the Senators budget. There is also the small matter of the lockout - and having to pay him even if there is no season. There are good reasons for waiting until the end of the season to decide on the coach.
The other option - Muckler and media insiders insist that Martin will not be fired - but aren't those types of statements like the kiss of death?
Check out Colby Cosh's article on Marc-Andre Fleury. He also brings up some criticisms of Cherry similar to what I wrote last week.
