Add another name to the list of possible candidates to succeed Brent Sutter as Devils coach: former Flyer captain, Whaler and Hurricane Kevin Dineen.
Dineen has coached the AHL’s Portland Pirates since the 2005-06 season, and joins Jacques Lemaire, John MacLean, Peter Laviolette, Guy Carbonneau, Bob Hartley, Mike Haviland and Kirk Muller among potential candidates.
Like Sutter, who resigned this month as Devils coach to be nearer his family and junior team in Alberta, Dineen is a member of a hockey family. His father, Bill Dineen, coached the Flyers, while four brothers are in hockey. Gord is a former Islander and coach in the minors, Peter a former King and Red Wing, Shawn is an NHL scout and Jerry has worked for the Rangers since the Roger Neilson days.
Though a decision is expected shortly, Lemaire told The Post that he still hasn’t made up his mind as to what he’ll do, making clear however, that returning to coach the Devils intrigues him. He refused to declare whether he has been offered the job, or even interviewed for it.
It is believed, however, that Lemaire has made initial exploratory inquiries about the team next season.
Devils’ legend Scott Stevens yesterday ruled himself out, saying he needs more experience and plans to work more closely with the staff in Lowell this season.
Former Devil Doug Gilmour, coaching junior hockey in Ontario, said he would “jump at it in a minute” if he felt he had enough experience. And Scotty Bowman, still formidable at 75, says he’s not in the running.