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In might not be the kind of move the fan base was hoping for, but the Detroit Red Wings have made a significant personnel addition to their front office.
Chris Ilitch completed his first major move since assuming control of the Olympia Entertainment following the February death of his father Mike, hiring former Sacramento Kings president Chris Granger to the position of group president, sports and entertainment.
According to a release from Ilitch Holdings, Granger’s role will be to “optimize the fan and partner experience at all Ilitch-related venues . . . to ensure highly active, attractive and community-focused venues.”
Among the feathers in Granger’s cap while working with the NBA Kings was that he helped get the new Golden One Center built. He left the Kings last month, citing a desire to pursue new opportunities.
Granger will be second in command in the organization behind only Ilitch, who is president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings. Tom Wilson, president and CEO of Olympia Entertainment, will report to Granger.
Red Wings GM Ken Holland will continue to report directly to Ilitch however.
Tatar Healing
Armed with a new four-year contract, left-winger Tomas Tatar also feels like he’s armed with a new arm. Tatar, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, is confident that he will be ready to go when the NHL season gets underway.
“The range of motion is good,” Tatar said. “I think there should not be any problem to be ready for (training) camp.
“When I am working out or shooting pucks, I don’t feel any discomfort. I think we are ahead of schedule. I think I will be healthy and ready for the season.”
On Top
It’s bad right now, but a chart provided by the Hockey News offered a reminder of how good it used to be in Hockeytown.
Since the beginning of 2000, the Red Wings have won more combined regular-season and playoff games - 820 in total - than any NHL team. Only two other Atlantic Division teams, the Ottawa Senators (727) and Boston Bruins (720) were within 100 wins of the Wings during that span.
The Wings led the way with 728 regular-season triumphs. Only the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins (100) have won more playoff games since 2000 than the 92 victories assembled by the Red Wings.
Numerology
The Wings announced the numbers that will be worn by their two recent free-agent signings.
Defenseman Trevor Daley opted for No. 83, the year of his birth. The No. 6 that Daley wore in Dallas, Chicago and Pittsburgh was not available with the Wings.
Although not officially retired, it was taken out of service by then Detroit coach-GM Jack Adams in tribute to forward Larry Aurie, who wore the number for the team from 1927-39. The only to wear No. 6 for the Wings since that time was Aurie’s nephew, Cummy Burton.
Defenseman/right-winger Luke Witkowski opted for No. 28, the same digits he wore on the back of his uniform with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In other number news, defenseman Ryan Sproul has opted to change digits, going from the No. 48 he wore last season to No. 62.
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