New York Islanders: 3 head coach candidates to replace Doug Weight
2. D.J. Smith
Current role: Assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Other notable roles: Oshawa Generals (OHL) head coach (2012-15)
The good: Lou Lamoriello marches to the beat of his own drum. Most front office people prefer veteran head coaches to rookies. Lamoriello hasn’t shied from hiring first-timers in the past.
Re Sheldon Keefe/DJ Smith: Lamoriello hired two first-time NHL head coaches while running the Devils: Brent Sutter and John MacLean.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 5, 2018
Smith has yet to be a head coach at the NHL level. But it’s worth noting he had a lot of success with the Oshawa Generals. They won the championship with him in 2015. So Smith wouldn’t be new to being a head coach.
He also has ties to Lamoriello, having worked with him while with the Leafs. It’s crucial for the head coach and the general manager to work together well. If Lou likes Smith, that’s a significant advantage.
Smith has coached Michael Dal Colle, the Islanders’ 2014 first-round pick. Maybe he can help him improve his game and become a regular NHL player. Smith has also coached Islanders defensive prospect Mitchell Vande Sompel.
The bad: The Islanders have to nail this hiring. Are they willing to take the risk of hiring Smith? Also, it’s worth noting junior hockey success as a coach doesn’t guarantee NHL success. Some coaches are better with kids than adults. It’s worth considering if Smith falls into that category. But his time with the Leafs should help alleviate those concerns.