Former Bruin Coach Kasper Joins Ducks’ Queue

DETROIT — Add the name of former Boston Bruin Coach Steve Kasper to the list of candidates for the Mighty Ducks’ coaching job.

Jack Ferreira, the Ducks’ general manager, confirmed Thursday he has spoken to Kasper. However, Ferreira said he has not set a timetable for hiring Ron Wilson’s successor and he plans to take the next few days off. Ferreira, who was in Detroit Thursday for general managers’ meetings, plans to return to his Anaheim office next Tuesday.

Kasper’s competitors are former Buffalo Sabre general manager John Muckler, former Phoenix Coyote coach Don Hay and Duck assistant coach Walt Kyle.

“Right now, I don’t anticipate talking to anyone else,” Ferreira said. “We’ve got to bring some people in for additional interviews possibly but I haven’t arranged anything yet. . . . I’ve talked to some people and now I’ve got to decide where we go from here.”

Kasper, 35, was fired by the Bruins after the team compiled the NHL’s worst record and missed the playoffs for the first time in 30 years. He is known for emphasizing defensive play and for not coddling stars: He ruffled feathers in Boston last season by benching Cam Neely and Kevin Stevens and for benching Rick Tocchet this season.

Despite persistent rumors Wilson will go to Washington or Phoenix, he said Wednesday he had not been offered any job. Nor have the Washington Capitals announced the hiring of George McPhee as their general manager, which reportedly will precede Wilson’s hiring.

Phoenix General Manager Bobby Smith said he has not chosen a successor to Hay, who was fired after the Coyotes’ first-round playoff loss to the Ducks. “I’m talking to coaches and I have not hired, nor have I offered, the job to anyone,” he said. “I expect to have a coach by the end of next week.”

Asked if Wilson is still in the running for that job, Smith said, “I wouldn’t say he’s not a candidate.”