In Red Wings Land

Steve Yzerman ‘another great voice’ for Red Wings, Jeff Blashill says | Detroit News

“I’ve had the opportunity to work for Ken Holland, to learn tons of stuff and had great interactions with him, and now (for the organization) to bring another Hall of Famer in Steve Yzerman, for me personally, to be able to interact and learn and find ways to be successful. … You think about it, there’s not many organizations that have those types of people in their management departments,” Blashill said.

Yzerman and Blashill met earlier in the week for the first time since Yzerman was hired. Yzerman and Holland had been scouting the under-18 world championships in Sweden.

I have a renewed optimism toward Jeff Blashill. I’m genuinely curious to see what type of Red Wings roster Steve Yzerman gives him to work with on opening night.

More Red Wings Fun

Red Wings’ Holland taking stock of future | TSN

According to LeBrun, the Edmonton Oilers, who are looking for a new GM after firing Peter Chiarelli in January, remain a possibility while the Seattle franchise, slated to join the NHL in 2021-22, is a “real intrigue.” LeBrun adds Holland could stay in his current role with the Wings as well, but believes at some point he wants to resurface as a general manager of an NHL team.

Is there anyone out there that actually believes Ken Holland won’t become an NHL general manager again at some point soon? If I was a betting man (which I’m not), I’d put a decent wager on him taking the Seattle job.

Around the League (and more Red Wings)

Kelly, eight-time Cup champion, dies at 91 | NHL.com

Kelly was a member of four Cup-winning teams as a defenseman with the Detroit Red Wings from 1947-60 and four more as a center with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1960-67. His eight championships are more than any player in NHL history who did not play for the Montreal Canadiens.

RIP Red Kelly. Glad he got the chance to see his number retired by the Wings.