Longtime member of the Detroit Red Wings lands unexpected coaching job in the KHL
Photo credit: NHL
A former Detroit Red Wings player was officially hired as head coach overseas.
According to multiple reports, the veteran coach and former Red Wings forward Gerard Gallant is set to become the new head coach of Kunlun Red Star in the KHL.
He won't be alone, either. Joining him on staff is none other than fellow former Wing Vyacheslav Kozlov, a key piece of the legendary Russian Five and a two-time Stanley Cup champion in Detroit.
This will mark Gallant's first season back behind the bench since being let go by the New York Rangers after the 2022-23 season.
Gallant led Vegas to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearence
Considering that he led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season and earned the NHL Coach of the Year title, it can be surprising to see that he hasn't been able to land a job in North America for the next season.
Gallant also had an impressive playing career in Detroit, putting up four straight 30-goal seasons between 1986 and 1990 alongside Steve Yzerman.
Kozlov's road to Kunlun has been a bit bumpier. He was expected to make his head coaching debut this season with HC Sochi, but the team's new GM, Igor Grigorenko, completely revamped the coaching staff.
Vyacheslav Kozlov told Sport-Express:
"At first, they told us that everyone would stay, but then they started to remove people one by one."
«I am not interested now in where Sochi will go. I want to receive compensation and then move on myself."
«It's written in my contract. I don't claim anything extra, but I will demand what is written in my regulations.»
«I am not interested now in where Sochi will go. I want to receive compensation and then move on myself."
«It's written in my contract. I don't claim anything extra, but I will demand what is written in my regulations.»
With their NHL experience and vast knowledge, Gallant and Kozlov are expected to help Red Star return to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history since 2016, in the team's inaugural season.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 21 | 66 ANSWERS Longtime member of the Detroit Red Wings lands unexpected coaching job in the KHL Do you think Gerard Galland and Vyacheslav Kozlov will lead the Kunlun Red Star to the KHL playoffs next season? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 77.3 % |
| No | 15 | 22.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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