Report: Former Oilers coach frontrunner to replace Tippett

When the Arizona Coyotes announced that they were parting ways with longtime captain Shane Doan, the hockey world collectively groaned. Then, just days later when they announced they were also parting ways with longtime head coach and executive vice-president Dave Tippett, the hockey world collectively tore their hair out. New majority owner Andrew Barroway has wasted no time moulding the team in his image, but the collateral damage done so far seems immense. 

At the NHL Entry Draft last week in Chicago, one NHL general manager described the situation in Arizona to TSN reporter Darren Dreger as “toxic”. Regardless, there will be a new coach behind the bench in Glendale next season, as there’s always another head coach willing to jump into the fire for an NHL paycheck. Enter former Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd Nelson.

Nelson won the Calder Cup with the Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, just weeks ago, but would no doubt love another shot at the NHL. Since being replaced in Edmonton by Todd MacLellan in 2015, Nelson has coached the Griffins to back-to-back playoff appearances (and a championship), going 91-53-8 over the span.

The 48 year-old is an experienced coach at the AHL level but his short stint in Edmonton in relief of Dallas Eakins is hardly representative of his true ability behind the bench. Here’s hoping he gets another shot at the NHL in 2017-18.