With Paul MacLean officially being named the head coach of the Ottawa Senators, the Detroit Red Wings now have two openings on their coaching staff. Brad McCrimmon left earlier in the offseason and is now coaching in Russia, and MacLean's departure means Mike Babcock will have two new assistants next season.
↵One person who could potentially be on the Red Wings' bench next season is Ken Hitchcock, the former head coach of the Stars, Flyers and Blue Jackets. Hitchcock is hoping to land one of the currently vacant head coaching positions, but if nothing comes about, he could have an opportunity to work for the Red Wings, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
↵↵↵The Red Wings and Hitchcock have discussed the possibility of him joining Mike Babcock's staff as the top assistant, a source told The Dispatch today.
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Hitchcock served as an assistant to Babcock for Team Canada during the 2010 Olympics. Last September, Hitchcock spent some time with the Red Wings in Traverse City during the team's training camp, so there is definitely some familiarity between Babcock and Hitchcock.