This is a FanPost written by Matt in Cleveland.
If I were a betting man, I’d be willing to say that it’s quite possible, unless the team completely collapses before season’s end, Don Granato will likely be back next season for a couple reasons. First, I don’t think Terry Pegula, the guy who would be the one to make that call, wants to pay another coach not to coach here.
So that brings us the question, if Granato returns, what’s the fix?
I think all signs are pointing to Matt Ellis being the sacrificial lamb in the offseason, and to be honest, I wouldn’t be stunned if the team moved on from Marty Wilford as well to try and get a more experienced assistant behind the bench.
Granted, the names I will list for a potential replacement for Ellis are not highly experienced options at the NHL level, but they do offer some intrigue as up and comers that can bring a fresh perspective.
My top choice: Brent Kisio, Assistant Coach, Henderson Silver Knights.
Kisio was Dylan Cozens’ junior coach for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, and amassed 278-183-46 and posted seven winning seasons in eight years. He went on to the Henderson Silver Knights, the top affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights when he replaced Joel Ward. He’s currently running the AHL’s number one Power Play, which has improved from 17th, the prior season. Kisio would be a shrewd hired, and the connection to Cozens is interesting, as he’s played for Kisio for four years. A Matt Ellis replacement will also be coaching the forwards, and with the regression that Dylan Cozens has experienced this season, currently on pace for 17 goals, and 52 pts, and with the money and investment the team has, it may be bonus to get someone who can spark Cozens, and the rest of the forward group.
Second choice: Vinny Prospal, Assistant Coach, Rochester Americans.
Another candidate could be Vinny Prospal, who is not highly experienced as a coach by any means, but is a highly experienced former NHL player in his first season coaching the Amerks, and served as a replacement for Michael Peca on staff. They have a top-15 unit in the league, which doesn’t sound that impressive, but they were 13th last season under Michael Peca. Prospal is serving not only as a coach, but a mentor to his fellow countryman Jiri Kulich, and it’s possible the two come up to Buffalo together.
I see Prospal as a guy who can quickly rise through the coaching ranks with his experience and success as an NHL player who has played over 1100 games in the league and scored over 700 points, and was also a highly productive player on the power play.
While these guys are not experienced NHL veteran coaches, they both represent intriguing options who are good candidates to rise through the coaching ranks, especially Kisio. If Marty Wilford is also a casualty, that could be an opportunity to balance out the staff and look for a more highly experienced assistant to add to the staff.