Ken Hitchcock isn’t looking to cash in.
Despite guiding the St. Louis Blues to the Western Conference Finals, Hitchcock hasn’t necessarily helped. Between questionable coaching decisions, such as not playing Vladimir Tarasenko nearly enough time, to his team routinely getting outplayed, the Blues are lucky to be where they’re at.
Hitchcock was likely a goner if the Blues didn’t advance past Dallas, but now that he’s led the team to the Conference Finals, his coaching status isn’t quite as up in the air. The Blues will likely retain him despite a different coach probably being a better option. When discussing his new contract with Sportsnet, Hitchcock said he doesn’t want a long-term deal because it might make him “sloppy.”
“I scare myself because I think if I take long-term deal, I’m gonna get sloppy,” Hitchcock told Hockey Central at Noon Thursday, hours after guiding his Blues to the Western Conference final. “I want to stay on one-year deals.” (H/T to Luke Fox of Sportsnet for transcribing)
“I don’t want to be sitting ripping off a team and taking money when I’m not doing anything. I just feel comfortable taking one-year deals to be honest with you,” said Hitchcock, who has frequently consulted baseball’s Tony La Russa on the topic.
That should be music to the Blues ears. Signing Hitchcock to a long-term contract would be a mistake. He’s not the guy you want to take a long-term bet on. If he’s only asking for one year, then that’s perfect. It gives the Blues another chance to assess where they’re at under Hitchcock at the end of next year – while not getting trapped if things go sour.
It’s a weird play by Hitchcock as he probably could have demanded and got a long-term extension. I’d bet Blues fans aren’t complaining.
