Dineen Drawing NHL Interest Again

Portland Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen is widely regarded in circles around the NHL as a great up-and-coming coach. After a great run in Portland, he seems primed to take the Barry Trotz route to the NHL. According to a Tweet from the Toronto Globe and Mail's James Mirtle, Dineen is a hot candidate for available jobs in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Columbus, and New Jersey. Of the 4 talent-wise, Tampa Bay and New Jersey would be the best bets, although Devils owner GM Lou Lamoriello seems to favor older coaches like Ken Hitchcock. Joe Yerdon from Gross Misconduct Hockey, said via Twitter:

"I think Columbus is hotter after him. #speculation"

Regardless, I put the odds at 4-1 Dineen returns behind the Pirates bench next season. He and his family love this area, which he has stated numerous times on the Jab, so it might be tough to leave, but how long can you avoid the NHL? I'll rank the teams in order of chances he goes there below.

1. Tampa Bay. Dineen would do great things with Steven Stamkos.
2. New Jersey. It would be the best fit for him and the team, but will Lamoriello make the right move?
3. Columbus. Dineen might be able to get this team back on track after they slipped this year.
4. Atlanta. Who the hell wants to coach hockey in Atlanta?

Globe and Mail: 14 coaching candidates