Sayonara Tampa Bay and hello New Jersey to one of the game’s best assist and faceoff men ever as Adam Oates is now an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils. We thank the many tweets from James Mirtle, Bob MacKenzie, and others along the way. Let’s remember the Oates in a montage of sorts thanks to NHLhistorygirl.
Face it, Adam Oates was smooth yet gritty when needed. He was that rare combo of player who could score when he had to but could pass and take faceoffs like no one’s business. There were few better on the Power Play than him (just ask Brett Hull sometime). He brings that knowledge now to New Jersey. Oates was an assistant last year in Tampa Bay and to many a player could be credited for the rise in the game of Steven Stamkos.
Oates will now be in for a bigger challenge as the New Jersey Devils always view themselves as contenders. The situation will be a bit more high pressure but it seems with this move, Oates is ready. I can still remember him being a personal nightmare against 2003 against New Jersey especially on the Power Play and faceoffs. It seemed every faceoff in that series had Adam Oates in it or at least felt like it.
The early consensus and even on NHL Live is that finally the Devils have a coaching hierarchy that can achieve success. Now it has to translate down to the players. The reality is there is no excuse.for New Jersey. Oates, to some, is a guy who could be a great hockey coach in time. To have this kind of mindset in New Jersey has to be a considerable improvement over what was there last season.
So what are the thoughts on this? Tampa fans seem to be genuinely almost shocked here. Good move or bad move by Lou? I am curious on the opinions here.
