Chris Chelios is considering a position with the NHLPA that would result in the Hall of Fame former defenseman leaving the Detroit Red Wings organization, but it is far from a done deal.

To be fair to all interested parties, Chelios felt it was best that he take a leave of absence from the team while he weighed this decision so as there wouldn’t even be an appearance of a conflict of interest.

“I’ve enjoyed my role with the Wings,” Chelios said. “I love working with (Detroit coach) Jeff Blashill. (Detroit GM) Kenny (Holland) has given me the flexibility of being at home games and traveling when I want to.”


The opportunity with the NHLPA came up after discussions between Chelios and several current players and agents. Late in his playing career he played a significant role in the reorganization of the NHLPA, and Chelios served on the search committed that found Paul Kelly to take over as executive director.


“I enjoyed it at the time, but when Don Fehr got the (executive director) position (in 2010) and everything ran smoothly, I moved on,” Chelios said. Although no meeting has yet been scheduled, Chelios hopes to sit down with Fehr soon to learn what opportunities there might be for him if he were to move to the NHLPA.


“I had a great relationship with Don Fehr,” Chelios said. “It would be great to sit down and talk with him. If this doesn’t work out I have every intention of coming back to the Wings. I’m just going through the process with Don Fehr to see if there’s any role and if it appeals to me.”


Chelios has no timetable in mind in which he will make his decision. Should he opt to remain on the Red Wings’ payroll, he intends to fill the same position as he has in past seasons, as a part-time instructor with the Wings and AHL Grand Rapids and eye in the sky role on game nights in Detroit. He expressed zero interest in becoming a full-time coach either in the NHL or the minor leagues, citing continuing family commitments. The flexibility of the position he’s filled with the team allows him to be be there when his family needs him and not to be tied to the “82-game grind” as he described it.

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