Hurricanes owner: Coaching strategy 'overrated' compared to intangibles

When it comes to coaching, Tom Dundon doesn't believe the Xs and Os are as critical as the mindset of the Jimmys and Joes.

The Carolina Hurricanes owner downplayed the importance of game-planning and emphasized unquantifiable traits when asked whether strategy or personality was a bigger factor in the hiring of new bench boss Rod Brind'Amour.

"I've come to the conclusion that the strategy is pretty overrated," Dundon told reporters at Brind'Amour's introductory press conference Wednesday.

"I don't believe the strategy differences (between coaches) are nearly as important as getting the most out of the culture and the attitude, and I think he can do both," the owner clarified. "But the important one here in this organization is going to be effort and I think he gives us the best chance at getting the most out of these players."

As an assistant coach with the Hurricanes, Brind'Amour ran a power play that ranked 22nd in the NHL this season in terms of efficiency, and 21st in 2016-17.

He was named a Carolina assistant ahead of the 2011-12 campaign, but the club hasn't made the playoffs since his penultimate season as a player, when it reached the conference finals in 2008-09.

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