Former member of the Detroit Red Wings fired but there's an immediate surprise twist
Photo credit: TSN
A former member of the Detroit Red Wings was surprisingly fired by his organization, but there's an immediate twist.
Vyacheslav Kozlov, once part of the Red Wings' legendary Russian Five and a key figure in their 1997 Stanley Cup win, was let go by HC Sochi of the KHL before even coaching a single game.
Kozlov had only been hired in June to take over behind the bench, but his coaching stint was cut short.
In a stunning move, Sochi fired Kozlov along with his assistant, Alexander Savchenkov.
This comes shortly after Igor Grigorenko, another former Red Wings draft pick, recently took over as Sochi's GM and immediately began reshaping the organization.
Grigorenko released an official statement:
"We have made a balanced decision and we are heading into the new season with new tasks and ambitious goals.
The priority of the club and the new head coach, whose name we will announce soon, is the development of hockey and the younger generation.
I am confident that with the support of numerous fans, we are able to return Sochi to the Gagarin Cup."
The priority of the club and the new head coach, whose name we will announce soon, is the development of hockey and the younger generation.
I am confident that with the support of numerous fans, we are able to return Sochi to the Gagarin Cup."
Kozlov will have to watch his Russian Five teammates thriving as KHL coaches: Igor Larionov is now behind the bench at SKA St. Petersburg, and Sergei Fedorov already has two Gagarin Cups to his name with CSKA Moscow.
However, with his reputation, it wouldn't be surprising to see Kozlov find another job in the KHL soon enough.
Also, it'll be interesting to see if the way he was treated in the KHL makes him consider a return to the NHL.
Although nearly all teams have found their coaching staffs for the next season, there must be at least a team who would benefit from bringing him on board in, at least, a consultant role.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 20 | 63 ANSWERS Former member of the Detroit Red Wings fired but there's an immediate surprise twist Do you think Vyacheslav Kozlov will return in the NHL as a coach? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 30.2 % |
| No | 44 | 69.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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