There are many reasons the Canucks finally consummated their extended courtship of Roland Melanson, who was announced Tuesday as Roberto Luongo’s new coach, guide and all-around confidant.
But none are more important than this: Luongo needs a change. He needs a new voice.
This became clear during his mud slide in the second half of the season and playoffs when evidence mounted the last voice wasn’t getting through anymore.
The coach who Vancouver fired last week, goalie consultant Ian Clark, is highly respected.
His understanding of the position is vast, and inventive. But the way Luongo played late in the season – especially the swimming, and fishing in his crease – wasn’t reflective of it.
There were both mental breakdowns and serious issues with Luongo’s technique, signifying in a clear way it was time for a change.
Will Melanson, who has a history of remarkable success with smaller, more mobile goalies, be the right fit for the bigger Luongo?
The Canucks think so. They’ve been eyeing Melanson since he was fired last year in Montreal, after he spent seven years molding Jaroslav Halak into an emerging, and unlikely, star.
Rumours first surfaced last summer Vancouver was looking to replace Clark, a move, it was assumed, which would sit well with head coach Alain Vigneault who worked with Melanson in Montreal from 1997-2000.
Last summer, during his contract negotiations, it was suggested Luongo stepped in and urged the Canucks to retain Clark. In August, Luongo said this to The Province:
"I’d rather work part-time with (Clark) than with someone else full-time."
Not long after, Clark signed a deal for $250,000 which is high-end money for a part-time goalie consultant.
Clark, because of family and business obligations in Dallas, has been, reportedly, unable to sign on with the team in a full-time capacity.
In spite of that, Luongo talked to him virtually every day through text message, email or phone call.
The pair even collaborated together with Luongo’s younger brother on a book, The 10 Quickest Ways to Improve your Game.
But even with their close relationship, forged in Florida and their four years together in Vancouver, Luongo must now prepare for something new after coming off his worst statistical year since he came to Vancouver.
The Canucks are using Clark’s part-time status, and its desire for a full-time coach, as the reason they made the move to Melanson, who, they pointed out, will need to spend lots of time this season working with rookie Cory Schneider.
It’s both true and valid. But it’s also simplistic spin. There is no indication the Canucks ever explored a full-time role for Clark.
Melanson, 49, has a terrific resume, but it’s not without warts.
His biggest successes are Jose Theodore and Halak, a ninth-round pick in 2003. His biggest issue was with Carey Price, who never took to Melanson’s style.
In their first training camp practice together, Price seemed stunned at how hard goalie Melanson expected him to work. Price essentially had him fired last year.
Melanson is highly regarded and it’s believed the Canucks first contacted him for this job in May. But he’s also known as a coach who likes things done his way. Will he mesh with Luongo?
The Canucks are betting their 12-year, $64 million investment in a goalie that he will.
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