With Jeff Blashill officially named the club’s 27th head coach in franchise history on Tuesday, the Detroit Red Wings are now working on filling out his staff.
According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Blashill and GM Ken Holland will meet with Chris Chelios next week. Chelios, who has served as an advisor to hockey operations since retiring in 2010, has worked with Blashill in Grand Rapids.
The 53-year-old occasionally went on the ice during practice to work with the Griffins’ defensemen.
TSN’s Aaron Ward reported earlier in the week that Chelios was a likely candidate to join Blashill’s coaching staff.
Chelios spent parts of 10 seasons in Detroit as a player winning Stanley Cups in 2002 and 2008.
The Red Wings are also in talks with Tony Granato about a possible extension after he declined the option on his contract for next season.
“We’re still in the process of getting the right guys and putting the staff together,” Blashill said on Tuesday. “Within a week we’d like to have it settled. Put the best staff together and get to work.”
Related: Holland, Cleary will meet next week to decide future in Detroit