Happy Friday, friends! Game two of the Stanley Cup Final is tonight, after Edmonton took game one in OT on Wednesday. Seems like this series could be a good one, we’ll just have to wait and see what’s in store for tonight.
In Red Wings world, we have a shakeup on the coaching staff. Max Bultman reported that assistant coach Jay Varady is joining Rick Tocchet’s staff in Philadelphia. That leaves Detroit with another vacancy for Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan to fill. I am not 100% on what Varady’s role was on the coaching staff, but this will be a nice opportunity for Detroit to get some new, outside voices behind the bench. Remember, the Wings are also without a goaltending coach after Alex Westlund was let go. The team is also searching for a new video coach.
Some other semi-Red Wing related items — Jakub Vrana is reportedly looking for a new team in Europe, signaling that his NHL career may be coming to a close. Meanwhile, former Red Wings defenseman Gustav Lindstrom has inked a five-year deal with the SHL’s Djurgardens IF. Best of luck to both of them.
Not much else to pass along right now, we’re still awaiting word out of Russia regarding Dmitri Buchelnikov’s KHL club. If you missed the news there, basically his team is about to fold due to financial headwinds that could force them out of the league. In that case, Buchelnikov would likely make his move to North America. Still gotta wait until that ELC is signed before we can celebrate.
Have yourself a nice weekend. We’re inching closer to the REAL offseason.
