Who is in play for the Red Wings Coaching Vacancy?

Dave Tippett

Dave Tippett is another familiar face to the Red Wings. Another coach capable of creating team defense. His career has kept him in the western conference with prior stops in Dallas, Phoenix/Arizona, and in Edmonton.

His tenure with Dallas and Phoenix caused real troubles for the highly talented Detroit Red Wings of the 2000s. His ability to be personable and adapt to his players is second to none. This is a coach that knows how to work with rookies and veterans. His ability to get the most out of players has been exceptional in his NHL coaching career; it might even be the best. He could be a good fit Detroit over his tenure with Edmonton.

While the joy and delight of coaching elite talents such as Conner McDavid and Leon Draisaitl; that has not been his style of team. He has the experience of coaching hall-of-famers, future hall-of-famers, and grizzled veterans of the game. You never know, if Mike Smith retires from the crease, a coaching career could begin with Tippett as the two have been almost inseparable during Smith’s NHL player career.

Pros: He brings a structure that allows players to feel comfortable in playing offense and defense. He postured around hardnosed leaders in the locker room and a dedicated culture of players working hard for each other. His ability to get the most out of goaltenders.

Cons: Never has consistently won in the playoffs.

Best Seasons:

2007-08 Dallas Stars- Lost in round 3
2011-12 Phoenix Coyotes- Lost in round 3
2020-21 Edmonton Oilers-Lost in round 1

Key Players Coached:
Dallas: Mike Modano, Brendan Morrow, Sergei Zubov, Bill Guerin
Coyotes: Shane Doan, Keith Yandle, Ryan Whitney, Oliver Eckman-Larson,
Edmonton: Conner McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse

Mike Smith (DAL, ARZ, EDM)

Awards: 2010 Jack Adams