In Elliotte Friedman’s latest 30 Thoughts column, the Sportsnet journalist revealed what could have been a very interesting addition to the Vegas Golden Knights.
According to Friedman, General Manager George McPhee wanted Dale Hunter back in some capacity with the team.
13. Las Vegas had reached out t OHL London’s Dale Hunter, asking if he’d be interested in returning to the NHL. He declined. Golden Knights GM George McPhee hired him once before, back in 2011-12 with Washington. Hunter is a terrific coach and rejected overtures from Anaheim last season. Fewer reporters in London, they’re all at The Ceeps. Not sure what all the changes will mean, but both Jack Capuano and Gallant received serious consideration — so far.
Hunter has been out of the NHL since the conclusion of the 2011-12 season when he replaced former Capitals Head Coach Bruce Boudreau behind the bench. The Capitals legend ultimately chose to return back home to the OHL’s London Knights at the end of the year.
While Hunter brought accountability and commitment to the Capitals, he also employed a draconian system of “coin-flip hockey,” which the team languished under.
McPhee would lose his job two years later after hiring another former player, Adam Oates, as coach.
Headline photo: Rob Carr
