According to a league source, former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Michel Therrien is close to accepting a head coaching position back in the NHL. The source would not divulge the team as final details are being worked out but according to a contact with close ties to Therrien, Therrien has emerged as the front runner for the New Jersey Devils head coaching position.
Two concerns from Therrien’s camp is the short leash coaches have in New Jersey and the fact that his two daughters have expressed a strong desire in not moving as both are in high school.
However, those close to Therrien indicate it would be “shocking” if Therrien is not offically named the Devils coach after the Cup Finals.
It was confirmed to me that Therrien does not have offers from Altanta or Columbus but there has been contact from Lightning owner Jeff Vinik over the past 7-to-10 days.
The Lightning named Steve Yzerman their new GM on Tuesday.
Therrien was due to make $1.1 million from the Penguins in 2010-2011.
more to come