While success as an NHL head coach was fleeting, Adam Oates seems to have found his niche as a personal consultant.
Like with Scott Gomez, for example.
The veteran center has high praise for his former bench boss, and essentially credits Oates for salvaging his career.
“That guy brought me back from the dead,” Gomez said, per the Star-Ledger. “You bet I was going to take advantage.”
Gomez, 35, really blossomed under Oates and fellow co-head coach Scott Stevens in New Jersey last year. After signing on with the Devils in December, Gomez scored 34 points in 58 games and was one of the club’s most productive scorers, but failed to secure a new contract after Ray Shero took over for longtime GM Lou Lamoriello.
So, enter Oates.
Gomez hired the Hall of Famer as his consultant, and it was Oates that pushed to accept a tryout with the Blues -- which Gomez eventually parlayed into a one-year deal.
Now, the two speak routinely to break down Gomez’s game, specifically angles and passing lanes.
Gomez also revealed that a number of high-profile players are utilizing Oates’ expertise as a personal consultant, including Alex Ovechkin and Steve Stamkos.