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Avs May Look To Detroit For Their Coach
by Paul on 05/13/08 at 07:35 AM ET
Comments (8)
from Terry Frei of the Denver Post,
Detroit assistant coach Todd McLellan came off the ice after the Red Wings’ game-morning skate Monday at the American Airlines Center and was about to step into the visiting dressing room when I, well, ambushed him.
I asked McLellan, in his third season with Detroit, if he would be interested in the Colorado coaching job, vacant since the Avalanche and Joel Quenneville parted ways Friday.
“I would be very interested,” McLellan, 40, said several hours before the Wings beat the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. “I think right now there are a number of young coaches who have come up from the American League and have done a good job, and I consider myself one of those.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Todd+McLellan,
Comments
Roy would have a much higher entertainment value, for sure.
With all these articles, it makes it seem like most of the NHL is stalking the Detroit front office staff and other personnel. I hope the authorities have been notified. 
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/13/08 at 08:12 AM ET
At this rate, Mike Ilitch had better lock up Al Sobotka and his Octopus.
Posted by w2j2 on 05/13/08 at 08:32 AM ET
And we’d give the Dives Mgmt permission to approach our staff??? Just as soon as Scotty takes over the Laffs.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 from KC MO on 05/13/08 at 12:34 PM ET
This isn’t management, though, MO, this is coaching. I bet if, after the season, McClellan asks for permission to speak with the Dive, Illitch would give him the green light. The more interesting question, IMO, is who replaces him if he leaves?
Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 05/13/08 at 01:00 PM ET
I would have much preferred McClellan’s answer to the press was more along the lines of “Talk to me after the playoffs. Right now I’m busy.”
Posted by BobTheZee on 05/13/08 at 03:17 PM ET
I would have much preferred McClellan’s answer to the press was more along the lines of “Talk to me after the playoffs. Right now I’m busy.”
Agreed. I’m not sure if Frei exaggerated the tone, but McClellan’s seemed overly enthusiastic to lobby (through the pres) for the opening. I’m sure he’s a good guy and all, but I’ve never heard of someone trying to be a NHL head coach then returning to being an assistant––correct me if I’ve forgotten. To go from the Wings to the Dive? Yikes; no way in hell you’re coming back.
I have no worries about him leaving because our core front office is so good. They’ll find someone to fill those shoes without issues.
I give Frei some credit here for digging and lobbying. That’s a helluva a lot more than we can say for our crack(head) reporters.
Posted by Osrt on 05/14/08 at 12:20 AM ET
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No, no, no!
Sure, McClellan will make a great head coach.
But from Detroit’s perspective, Patty Roy would be SO much more fun!
Posted by w2j2 on 05/13/08 at 08:05 AM ET