Former Islanders: Scott Gordon Named Assistant Coach in Toronto

According to Brian Compton, former Islander coach Scott Gordon has been hired as an assistant coach in Toronto.

AT: Didn't really see him getting a head coaching job anywhere due to his lack of success with the Islanders. Was never a fan of his coaching style and welcomed his departure, but he's a really nice guy and I hope for nothing but the best for Scott. He worked with Brian Burke and Ron Wilson in the 2010 Olympics so obviously the connection was there and they trust him to work well with this growing Toronto team. In addition, the Maple Leafs hired Greg Cronin, the now former head coach at Northeastern University and former coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Overall, two great adds at assistant coach for Toronto. Should prove to be a solid mix up in coaching.

CH: I always liked Scott Gordon, and have to admit I was very frustrated when he was fired. However, clearly I was wrong as it turned out to be exactly the relief the Islanders needed going forward. I still believe that Gordon taught the Islander players a ton during his 2+ years here. Those lessons have already been used going forward under the tutelage of Jack Capuano.

Looking forward, this is a great opportunity for Gordon. He did a great job as an assistant during the 2010 Winter Olympics for Team USA. He knows Brian Burke and the Toronto staff through his involvement in other international tournaments including the World Championships, in which he coached Team USA in 2010 and 2011. I think Gordon was a little over his head during his first job with the Islanders. This will be a good step for him back into the NHL coaching world. There's already talk about Gordon being the replacement for Ron Wilson. Time will tell about that. What we do know is with Gordon and Greg Cronin, the Leafs have set themselves up very nicely on the bench.