Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan go back a while, and it's something the Detroit Red Wings general manager discussed earlier this week.
Yzerman said, “My last year as a player was Todd’s first year coaching with the Red Wings, so I’ve known him for a long time. I’ve remained in touch with him, and I’ve always had a good rapport talking with him not only on hockey, but everything… He’s pretty approachable and an easy guy to talk to. We are in constant communication -- talking about our team, everything that’s going on around the League and our players. I understand what he’s trying to do, his perspective on our team and our players, and where everybody fits.”
It's refreshing for two of the Red Wings top men in charge to go back nearly two decades. And it's something you want if you're craving long term success, especially in the NHL. Here, it's common for coaches to get a pink slip even if they put together some outstanding teams and deep playoff runs.
And while it's embedded in the NHL's landscape, it's always annoyed me. Myself and many others have said that "patience is a virtue," and its easy to forget in sports. And yep, I'm even guilty of forgetting that line sometimes, criticizing Yzerman's lack of major moves at the trade deadline, if you want a recent example.
Detroit Red Wings can afford to stay patient with Todd McLellan
Barring a major meltdown, like a 12-point run in the team's first 20 games or something major like that, the Wings can afford to exercise patience here. They don't need to second-guess or shortchange themselves, even if McLellan can't break the Wings through the playoff barrier this season.
Yeah, I'm sure we'd all like to see that, but improving the points total and staying in more serious contention this season is what we need. And no, McLellan's not one of those coaches who "can get them there, but then you need to upgrade."
Again, I can't stand that way of thinking. If a coach is good enough to get his team into the playoffs, then common sense says I'm keeping him around. This reverts to Yzerman's relationship with McLellan because, with that in mind, it's not like there'd be a disconnect between a coach and the general manager if the latter had little or no previous rapport.
So, if McLellan keeps the Wings competitive, I'd keep him around for at least another two seasons regardless if they break through the drought.
Critical questions to ask if you're a Red Wings fan
The first one's easy: Are the players developing at the top level? If the answer's yes, then McLellan's more than doing his job. Wins, losses, and points don't always tell the whole story, and if we're seeing a greater output from individual players, then the Wings are going in the right direction.
Are the players buying in? Right now, that's a resounding 'yes,' and players like Dylan Larkin are leading the way. This means McLellan won over the locker room last season, and those new players in town are more likely to buy in to what McLellan's preaching and practicing if the vets who were there last year do the same.