Canucks: Kevin Dean brings big defensive book of work as new assistant coach
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Dean won two titles in 1995 as a big stay-at-home blueliner. The fifth-round selection of the New Jersey in the 1987 NHL Draft got his name on the Stanley Cup with the Devils, and also won a Calder Cup that season with the AHL affiliate Albany River Rats.
New Jersey had Jacques Lemaire — the lover of low-event hockey — as head coach and Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Larry Robinson as one of his assistants. Aside from that tutelage, Dean also played on the back end with veteran hard-rock Scott Stevens and emerging young star Scott Niedermayer. Quite the master class of instruction.
Dean also suited up for the lowly Atlanta Thrashers in 23 forgetful games in 1999-2000 before moving on to the Dallas Stars. The Thrashers finished a league-worst 14-57-7-4 and were last in goals for, against and face-offs. Their leading goal scorers were Andrew Brunette (23) and Ray Ferraro (19).
Dean would log 331 regular-season games with four teams and had 55 points (7-48) and 138 penalty minutes, the mark of a guy who took care of his own end. He retired as a player due to a heart condition and applied his knowledge as a coach in the AHL and ECHL before transitioning to the NHL.
The Madison, Wisc. native had five seasons as an assistant with the Boston Bruins and then three with the Chicago Blackhawks. His latest run ended this season. Dean was also an assistant for Team USA at the world championship in May, where the Americans ended a 92-year title drought.
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