Detroit Red Wings
The Daily: Keenan Nearly Became Red Wings Coach; Barkley Looks Back
Iron Mike a Red Wing?
It nearly happened twice three decades ago.
Mike Keenan talks about his negotiations with Mike Ilitch in his new book: “Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench.”
The first conversation came in 1992, after Keenan had been fired by the Chicago Blackhawks. Keenan had led the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup finals, where they had lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who were coached by Scotty Bowman.
Keenan said Ilitch gave him $150,000 for the right of first refusal. He refunded the money after hearing that other Ilitch family members weren’t keen on Keenan.
The second time came in 1994, the day after Keenan had quit as coach of the New York Rangers in a dispute with management.
Ilitch, meanwhile. was looking to fire Bowman after the Red Wings had been upset by the upstart San Jose Sharks in the first round of the playoffs.
“The Ilitches were very, very generous,” Keenan recalled. “If I took the job — which to be clear, he didn’t offer — there was one caveat: I had to dismiss Scotty Bowman.”
Keenan said he couldn’t do that, as Bowman had given him his first job as a coach in 1980.
Things worked out for the Red Wings, as it turned out, winning three Stanley Cups under Bowman in the next eight years.
Barkley Looks Back
Doug Barkley, who coached the Red Wings in two separate stints in the 1970s, is 87 years old now.
He played for the Blackhawks and Red Wings from 1957-66 and has fond memories of his playing career with the Wings.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Let’s get ready to rumble: Grand Rapids defenseman William Lagesson has been suspended for putting an Iowa player in a chokehold during a fight on Sunday.
He got two minutes for roughing and a three-game suspension.
Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 2022 draft choice, is playing well in the KHL. He’s been listed as a forward on a preliminary roster for the Russian national team.
Hockey Now Network
San Jose: The Sharks might be interested in Columbus defenseman David Jiricek. San Jose Sharks
Boston: Jake DeBrusk has a memorable return to Boston. Boston Bruins
Florida: Paul Maurice says he’s to blame for his team’s recent struggles. Florida Panthers
Philadelphia: The Flyers could be awfully busy in the trade market this winter. Philadelphia Flyers
Wouldn’t Trouba Just be Chiarot 2.0 For Red Wings?
The Daily: Few Goals, Few Wins for Red Wings; Avs Up Next
Red Wings Notebook: Another Goal For Sandin Pellikka
War Of Words Between Former Detroit Stars
Familiar Script to Another Red Wings Loss
No, Sergei Fedorov is Not Going to be The Next Red Wings Coach
Are Red Wings in Serious Trouble?
Is Clock Winding Down on Tenure of Red Wings Lalonde?
Former Red Wings Goalie Blasts NHL, Blue Jackets
I remember during the ’94 SCF hearing about Keenan going to Detroit.
That must’ve been awkward for the Rangers who were trying to win a Cup.
I remember being so pissed when we lost to the Sharks.
That was one of the greatest playoff upsets in NHL history.
I can still remember a crying Chris Osgood after game 7.
Igor Larionov was on that Sharks team.
Bowman would later trade Ray Sheppard for Igor which completed the Russian 5. 😁
1) What does Yzerman do at the end of season?
a) replace coach?
b) buyout Copp?
c) move either Eric G or Tarasenko?
d) all the above?
e) none of the above?
Sadly, Yzerman is doing nothing now. Why? I am not sure. Perhaps a plan to remain at the bottom? Unacceptable in my view, but nothing fans can do about it.
He’ll probably just replace departing UFAs with more UFAs.
Hopefully we’ll see rookies Cossa, Wallinder, Mazur and Danielson next season.
Maybe Holl gets bought out.
Maybe (hopefully) Gus gets traded at the deadline for half retained.
Tarasenko too.
Copp won’t get bought out because Yzerman loves him.
Kane probably won’t want to return to this Clown Show.🤡
And you’re right.
There’s nothing we fans can do about it.
Good points Mike. I think you can count on Mazur, Cossa, Wallinder and lets see how Danielson does in his first full year. He is doing better.I think part of the issue is until we are consistently winning, Yzerman can only get certain level free agents to come. Debrincat was a trade and a good one. Tarasenko was traded for Fabbri. Too me thats a wash. I like Fabbri but constantly getting hurt. Tarasenko looks like he has hit a wall. I dont think Copp and Holl are so bad. They are placeholders until they are replaced by youinger guys.
I dont believe Yzerman would agree to tank ever.In response to the Keenan story my info comes from the Jim Devellano book. Jim describes the Illitch interest in Keenan in detail. Devellano had two reasons no to want Keenan. One, Keenan wanted Jimmy D out and Jimmy felt the same about Mike. Two Jim wanted Al Arbour or Scotty Bowman instead. Illitch accepted his recomendation. Arbour said no so Devellano got Bowman. End of story. Thank god. Keenan coached so many teams. 10-12 at least. No thnks.
Plus Keenan hated Yzerman.
He famously chose Dirk Graham over Yzerman for Team Canada. 🤔