Big Bird granted talks with Rags!

[Rhiessan]

TSN on tv just said that the devils have granted Big Bird permission to talk to the Rag's about their coaching vacancy.

[MPLABBE]

is he a right fit for such a mix of stars ?

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

Rangers ask Devils about Robinson

TSN.ca Staff

4/29/2003

The New Jersey Devils have granted Larry Robinson permission to speak with Glen Sather about the head coaching position with the New York Rangers.

"The Rangers have already asked permission," Robinson said prior to last night's playoff game between the Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning. "I will wait until after the series is over. But I am going to talk to them."

After firing Bryan Trottier and finishing the season as the Rangers coach, Sather refused to say whether or not he would return behind the bench next season. His decision to contact Robinson is the strongest sign yet that Sather does not plan to continue with both coaching and general manager duties.

Last year, Robinson turned down an opportunity to speak with the Rangers about their coaching vacancy.

"I'm not going to just jump back into (coaching) because the first job came along, but if it's the right situation, I'd consider it."

Robinson has been a special-assignment coach for the Devils since last August. He coached the Devils to a Stanley Cup victory in 1999-2000 and made it all the way to the finals the following season before losing to the Colorado Avalanche. Robinson was fired after 51 games in his second full season behind the Devils bench.

Robinson, who has also coached the Los Angeles Kings, has a career coaching record of 195-210-64.

Meanwhile, the New York Post quotes sources who say the Rangers are also interested in speaking to Edmonton's Craig MacTavish and Lindy Ruff of Buffalo. Both men will be free to negotiate with anyone after their contracts expire at the end of June.

Herb Brooks, who was Sather's first choice last summer until he abruptly pulled out of the running, is also reportedly being considered again.