Arizona Coyotes Unable To Reach Deal With Stars’ Les Jackson
The Arizona Coyotes were reportedly unable to reach a deal with Dallas Stars assistant general manager Les Jackson.
Just days ago, the Arizona Coyotes looked to set to name John Chayka general manager.
The plan also appeared to include bringing in veteran assistant general manager Les Jackson from the Dallas Stars to fill the same role in the desert.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that those attempts have stalled. The Coyotes were unable to reach a deal with Jackson before their window to negotiate with him closed. McKenzie said that, for now anyway, it’s fair to say Jackson won’t be headed to Arizona.
That doesn’t mean he won’t make his way here after the Dallas Stars season has concluded, but it’s now a wait and see game when trying to suss out what the Arizona Coyotes plans and options are.
Would they be willing to move forward with just John Chayka and Chris O’Hearn, or might they attempt to lure another veteran to stand behind or above Chayka if they remain unable to reach a deal with Jackson?
Beyond the reality of the situation, the fan base remains split on it’s opinion of the John Chayka rumors. There seems to be much more consternation from Arizona Coyotes fans about Chayka’s age than is probably warranted, but his relative newness to the situation is a valid concern.
Despite the reports of his bright mind and the value he might add, Chayka is still being considered for a position in a league that remains very much rooted in tradition and experience when it comes to coaching and management hires. People play it safe and this potential hire is certainly outside the box. Whether this would cause him issues is unknown, but it’s fair to assume that it may.
It would seem likely, however, that Coyotes ownership would like to surround Chayka with as much help as he can get considering his non-traditional background. We’ve seen that in their pursuit of Jackson and there is little reason to suspect that they won’t search other avenues if necessary.
Next: Coyotes Looking To Pair Chayka With Stars AGM Jackson In Front Office
As we wrote two days ago, Les Jackson joining into this management triumvirate alongside head coach Dave Tippett and Chayka would be the ideal scenario.
“With Chayka bringing the analytics piece and a more modern approach to management, Jackson having experience and ties to Tippett, and Tippett having more influence in personnel decisions, the team would have a triumvirate of decision makers to push the Arizona Coyotes into the future.”