While the Detroit Red Wings missed out on the postseason for the first time since the first Bush was president, their AHL-affiliate provided some hope for those in Mo’ Town in 2017-18. Last season, the Griffins brought the Calder Cup back to Grand Rapids for the second time in five seasons and the first for coach Todd Nelson.
The Griffins are part of the old guard, with their lineage dating back before the IHL-AHL merger. Hockey in the Midwest has some strong ties; the Central Division has four former IHL clubs. Since joining the AHL, two former head coaches for Grand Rapids currently hold NHL jobs: Jeff Blashill who was promoted to Detroit’s bench, and Bruce Cassidy is getting a crack at running the Bruins.