Who’s Next?

Who will be the next head coach of the Moncton Wildcats? 

One can only speculate at this point of the process. Speaking of speculation and process, things will no doubt happen pretty quickly from this point, but it’s really unfair to start throwing out possible candidates or speculate on more changes surrounding the organization at this time. To say that the Moncton Wildcats have high expectations entering the 2024-2025 season would be the understatement of the century.

58 days

The Moncton Wildcats are “on the clock” so to speak when it comes to having a replacement behind the bench. There’s 58 days until the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft at the Avenir Centre and one could also speculate that the organization will want to have their new head coach in place for that event.

Again, it’s all speculation at this point, but let’s focus on what we do know. There is an abundance of quality coaches out there. There is an abundance of quality young coaches out there waiting for an opportunity. There is an abundance of quality veteran coaches at various levels waiting to prove their value.

The question that needs to be answered right now is what type of coach are the Moncton Wildcats looking for heading into the 2024-2025 season and beyond?

Are the Wildcats looking for the best resume or the best fit?

There might be an abundance of coaches out there, but obviously, one could also speculate that the front running candidates for such a high-profile job given that Wildcats current position within their cycle are few and far between. One could also speculate especially from a historical aspect that familiarity has to be at the forefront of any search for a new coach, that and perhaps NHL experience?

Is NHL experience the “be all end all” of coaching right now with regards to winning a championship at the Major Junior level? That remains to be seen.

How many NHL “big names” are out there? How many NHL “big names” would be willing to return to the major junior ranks to ride the bus for a chance at a Gilles Courteau Trophy and Memorial Cup?  How many NHL “big names” would be willing to use this opportunity to jump back into the NHL?  The next few days and perhaps weeks ahead will be plagued with rumor and speculation for an organization with championship aspirations.

58 days and counting until the draft.

Now isn’t the time to speculate, now is the time for the Moncton Wildcats to find the right coach at the right time, which can be a daunting task for any organization.