Scott Stevens steps down as NJ Devils assistant coach
Assistant coaches come and go in the NHL, either to pursue new challenges or because their boss decides it’s time for them to pursue new challenges. They’re usually a name on the transaction wire, a name not mentioned again until the new guy doesn’t improve upon their work.
But when that departing assistant coach is the greatest captain in franchise history and someone many felt was being groomed to become a head coach, it does tend to get some additional attention.
To wit: New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello announced that Scott Stevens has decided to step down from Pete DeBoer’s staff for the 2014-15 season, with former Devils defenseman Tommy Albelin taking over. He was a coach with the AHL Albany Devils for the last four seasons.
Why the move? From Fire & Ice, Lamoriello said:
"There is nothing to read into," Lamoriello said. "It's not the organization. It's not this. It's not that. It's just that was a decision he made. I'm sure it's not something that will be long term. I'm sure he'll be back into coaching, hopefully, here some day. It's just a personal thing."
But Lamoriello doesn't expect Stevens to coach this upcoming season.
"I don't believe that will happen," he said. "This is a decision he made and I don't think anybody should read into anything of anything. It's just a personal decision. Personal, professional, whatever way you want to look at it, it's just a decision he made."
Stevens coached the Devils defense for the last two seasons, after Larry Robinson departed for the San Jose Sharks. Before that, he was a roving advisor for the team. Also, he wore glasses, so he looked extra smart (see also: Maurice, Paul).
Stevens was seen as an asset for the Devils in helping to develop a collection of strong young defensemen like Adam Larsson, Eric Gelinas (still unsigned by the way) and Jon Merrill. It also seemed like he was being groomed for an eventual head-coaching job, perhaps as DeBoer’s eventual successor.
Perhaps the rigors of travel were too much, or he wanted to reevaluate his career path. Lamoriello seems confident that he’ll continue coaching, so hopefully whatever personal considerations Stevens is facing will be dealt with.
