Andy Pred 48 337 Report post Posted June 12, 2008 (edited) It has been stated that Babs wants to bring Cheli back next season. He may be asked to play a lesser role, say maybe 40-50 games, would he go with that? An option I would thought may make sense with the departure of McLellan imminent is to offer Cheli the role of player-coach. His vast exp and undoubted knowledge would be of huge benefit to the Wings org as a whole. Now I know that Todd was the forward and power-play coach which might not fall into giving Cheli the position, but I can't think of anyone better to teach our young D the pro's and con's of the penalty kill and postional defensive play's. I just think that it's to good an option not to give it a go, if Cheli wants it that is. We have some good young players who need to be playing at the top level and I feel that Cheli may be holding up the progression of bringing them thru with his rolling yearly contract's. Not that he doesn't earn them, there's plenty of teams who would love to have him on their roster, let us start using his skills in a more wider range is what I'm suggesting. Edited June 12, 2008 by Andy Pred 48 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest LivingtheDream Report post Posted June 12, 2008 I think he showed ral class when asked about not playing he said something like, "As long as we are winning I'm happy." Chelios wants to stay involved and play when he can and i think he would be a fantastic coach. In a way he has been coaching D for years on the Wings with Lebs and others. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jvxp 0 Report post Posted June 12, 2008 He needs to retire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If he wants to coach that is fine with me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted June 12, 2008 If he's ok taking a smaller role on the team, than I don't mind signing him for a 1-year deal in the ballpark of $750,000. He really struggled in the playoffs but keep in mind that after the trade deadline any team is just a hit away from losing a Dman for the season. If he's willing to play 40-50 games and on an as-needed basis in the playoffs, I'm all for bringing him back. If he wants 70+ games and to start every game of the playoffs (which I don't think he does given his comments), its time to part ways. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted June 12, 2008 Cheli loves the game of hockey, he is great guy and he would never take away roster spot from more capable player. He is phenomenal leader and mentor. I am really happy he decided to spend one more season as a Red Wing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeeSpot82 10 Report post Posted June 12, 2008 As awesome as it would be to have Chris Chelios be our Reggie Dunlop (rent Slap Shot), he can't replace Todd McLellan. McLellan coached the offense and the power play. Chris Chelios hasn't been allowed near the power play in YEARS. However, keeping him in the locker room is a fantastic idea. Even if he rarely got into a game, I'm sure his work ethic and his dedication to staying in unbelievable shape will be noticed by not only the young defensemen, but the young Red Wings as a whole. A three-time Norris Trophy winner as your seventh defenseman? Sold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted June 12, 2008 As awesome as it would be to have Chris Chelios be our Reggie Dunlop (rent Slap Shot), he can't replace Todd McLellan. McLellan coached the offense and the power play. Chris Chelios hasn't been allowed near the power play in YEARS. However, keeping him in the locker room is a fantastic idea. Even if he rarely got into a game, I'm sure his work ethic and his dedication to staying in unbelievable shape will be noticed by not only the young defensemen, but the young Red Wings as a whole. A three-time Norris Trophy winner as your seventh defenseman? Sold. I don't think Chelios has Paul Newman's looks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HZloverrr 0 Report post Posted June 15, 2008 my little sister plays hockey with his oldest daughter, shes also very good friends with her. Caylee plays just like here dad...very agressive and a good head for hockey (shes only a freshman too, which is awesome) anyways...word around the CK hockey families is that babcock and cheli got into a HUGE fight during the playoffs and that babcock atcually took cheli out of the games bc he is so fed up with him. the reason cheli didnt play in the finals was (according to rumor) was becuase Babcock hates him and wants him gone. now, i hope coach is a little better at COACHING and not favoring players (it is the NHL and all) but...who knows... anyways...just thought i'd put my two cents in. =) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spyder 0 Report post Posted June 15, 2008 (edited) Reggie Dunlop... thats a good one. Edited June 15, 2008 by spyder Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
