There’s some activity as far as the Arizona Coyotes’ coaching situation goes, and soon there may be some answers.
As noted during the weekend, the Coyotes were interested in speaking with Todd Nelson, who most recently coached the Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate) to a Calder Cup victory. The Red Wings granted Arizona permission to interview Nelson, according to the Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James.
(Red Wings fans are greeting this news with despair.)
It’s not the only noteworthy development, either, as the Arizona Republic’s Sarah McLellan reports that the Coyotes parted ways with associate coach Jim Playfair today. (The Coyotes confirmed the news moments after this post went up.)
Playfair was at development camp yesterday and today. Told he initiated request to part ways. Was close to Tippett.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) June 27, 2017
This is a time of change for this organization, and some are bristling at the way they’re handling things. Still, there’s also an argument that the team is ultimately making wise choices, and Nelson could end up being a big part of that.
Assuming they convince him to come on board, of course.
Todd Nelson has won Calder Cup championships as a player, assistant coach and now as a head coach. 🎥 pic.twitter.com/A5Wn6gw5fW
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) June 22, 2017