Thursday, July 28, 2005

Shanahan exercises option, will play for Red Wings

Coach Babcock names Paul MacLean and Todd McLellan as assistants

By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

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DETROIT -- Brendan Shanahan is back.

The Red Wings announced Thursday that the 36-year-old Shanahan exercised the player option on his contract for the 2005-06 season, and will earn $2.4 million.

"He can do a lot of things," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "He's a veteran, he's a leader, and he can score goals."

Shanahan scored 53 points, a total of 25 goals with 28 assists, in 2003-04.

Shanahan was a central figure during the recent collective bargaining negotiations, along with being on the competition committee which helped put in many of the new rules that will debut in the NHL this season.

In December, Shanahan brought together some influential players, coaches, front office executives and broadcasting personnel in what was loosely called the Shanny Summit. Many of those proposed changes the summit encouraged have been passed into play next season.

The Wings also named Paul MacLean and Todd McLellan as assistants to new coach Mike Babcock.

MacLean was an assistant under Babcock in Anaheim. McLellan has been coach of the Houston Aeros in the American Hockey League the last four seasons.

The Wings have not said whether former assistants Barry Smith and Joe Kocur will be retained.

In other NHL news Thursday, Bob Goodenow resigned as head of the NHL Players Association.

Ted Saskin, senior director under Goodenow during the recent collective bargaining agreement negotiations, will replace Goodenow.